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Collaboration the key at National Franchise Convention 2013

Sarah Stowe

Australian franchising sector’s annual conference was this year officially opened by the Federal Minister for Small Business, the Hon Bruce Bilson. “Franchising is an important part of the economy,” he told the assembled delegates.

It’s been an interesting year in franchising, with the Wein Report on the Franchising Code of Conduct released and a newly elected Government taking the reins.

The Minister emphasised that small business requirements will be front and centre of the new government and said he was “heartened” by the collaborative approach of the Franchise Council of Australia whose insights he decribed as “valuable”.

Bilson reasured the attendant franchisors, franchisees and service providers to the franchise sector that under the new Federal Government “there will be no surprises, we are looking for open dialogue.”

The Minister shared that he had “lived the small business dream” with his wife, and had enormous “respect for the courage involved in this kind of commitment”.

THE NFC13

The three day National Franchise Convention 2013 was held at Jupiters on the Gold Coast and included in the legal symposium a panel session discussing the Wein Report  and the Government response.

In his opening speech, FCA chairman Michael Paul reiterated the need for appropriate regulation in the sector.

“Regulation works for franchisees and franchisors to use their entrepreneurial spirit to create opportunities for wealth and employment,” he told the audience.

Paul welcomed the International Franchise Association delegates from the US visiting for the conference and undertaking a study tour in Sydney and Melbourne this week.

“Sharing best practice will only lead to a stronger sector,” he said.

The convention was also the occasion for the launch of the CFE, a certified executive education program originated in the US and the only such professionally accredited program worldwide.

“We are resolute in our commitment to the CFE program,” said Paul.

The convention was titled Future landscapes for leadership, strategy and technology. Looking ahead Paul said the franchise sector is, despite challenges, as positive as always.

The convention included some high profile keynote speakers such as Guy Russo, managing director at K-Mart; Steve Romaniello, IFA chairman; Warren Wilmot, CEO at 7-Eleven; and Emma Hill, deputy chair, Michael Hill International.

Watch out for upcoming interviews, advice and videos from NFC13 at www.franchise.net.au. You can take a peek at the social side of the event too at our Facebook page.