Franchise Council of Australia’s new chairman

CEO of the Poolwerx franchise John O'Brien is the new Chairman of the Franchise Council of Australia .

He takes over from Deacons partner Stephen Giles who steps down after six years as Chairman. Giles will continue as an FCA Director with responsibility for representation, ethical standards and international relations.

FCA’s CEO Richard Evans said John O’Brien has the unique distinction of having been an Australian Franchise Council Franchisee of the Year (Queensland), inaugural Australian Master Franchisor of the Year, Franchisor of the Year (services category – twice), and 2004 Australian Franchisor of the Year.

“John’s experience in the franchising sector spans more than 20 years and he will bring a new energy, vigour and vision to the FCA,” Evans said.

O'Brien praised Giles’ outstanding leadership and direction as Chairman during a period of substantial growth and development of the sector, commenting that the sector and the FCA was in great shape and Giles left big shoes to fill.

“My priorities as FCA Chairman will be to further increase franchisor membership, create a Franchisee Forum and improve education in the sector,” O’Brien said.

CEO of the Bathroomwerx franchise George Yammouni was appointed Deputy Chairman.

‘Insuring’ world-class cover for members

Several years in the making, FCA Insurance Services was launched at the recent National Franchise Convention and is already making a positive financial impact to Franchise Council of Australia’s members.

Owned by the FCA, FCA Insurance Services offers general insurance and workers compensation cover to FCA members as an authorised representative of Willis Australia.

FCA CEO Richard Evans said through partnering with Willis, FCA members will have access to one of the world’s largest insurance brokers and benefit from enormous global purchasing power.

“FCA Insurance Services will provide unique protection for FCA members with the opportunity to make significant premium savings and substantial improvements in insurance cover and service,” Evans said.

Taking ‘CARE’ of super

With superannuation undergoing a significant transformation in recent times, compliance with new legislation generates many questions for franchisors and franchisees. To ensure members are adequately informed and have access to quality super systems, CARE Super has joined the FCA as an Alliance Partner.

FCA members can now have their questions answered and have a degree certainty that CARE Super will assist members with their superannuation needs and deliver products and services to meet their needs.

CARE Super’s partnership with the FCA is part of the FCA’s overall strategy to forge long term partnerships with industry leaders who will add value to membership and provide members with products and services that positively impact on their businesses.

FCA Franchise Professional

From 1 January 2007, the recently launched FCA Franchise Professional accreditation system will be active. The FCA Franchise Professional system is the new program for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for all Franchisor and Corporate Supplier members of the FCA.

This CPD program is designed to elevate FCA members’ professional standards and reputation in franchising and to the broader business community. It will enhance skills and knowledge on an on-going basis, become fundamental to professional development, help meet and exceed client expectations and provide a greater competitive advantage.

From 1 January 2007, FCA members must be certified by the FCA Franchise Academy as having completed the required annual CPD points to retain FCA Franchise Professional classification.

It’s easy to comply with CPD requirements. CPD points are accrued through a range of courses, activities and events offered by the FCA, the FCA Franchise Academy and other training providers.