New Franchising Code in Effect: What Franchisors Must Do Now to Stay Compliant
Australia’s new Franchising Code came into effect on 1 April 2025, bringing with it significant regulatory changes for franchisors and franchisees. While the Government has indicated a grace period for compliance, the transitional arrangements are more limited than they appear. This article breaks down the key dates, delayed obligations, and practical steps franchisors must take now to ensure compliance under the new regime.
It’s just paper right? Do I really need to read my Franchise Agreement?
The Franchise industry in Australia has been under scrutiny recently with the Senate inquiry into the Franchise Code of Conduct and subsequent report attracting significant media attention. With this in mind, and with changes likely to be made, it is more important now than ever that both franchisors and franchisees understand completely what is involved […]
It’s been a rough year, but is franchising in recession?
The election of a coalition government promised an economic boon that would re-instil confidence in the small business sector. Now, just a few weeks on, the Federal government looks poised to tackle some of the industry’s most prevalent concerns, but is it enough? While critics have been calling for an independent review of the franchising […]
Franchise Recruitment – Part One – Tinder for Franchisors
The vast majority of franchise systems employ a recruitment process to both obtain expressions of interest from prospective franchisees, and to qualify those franchisees prior to entering into more substantial discussions surrounding their entrance into the system. This recruitment ‘funnel’, is a critical element in any franchise system. From a franchisor perspective, it ensures the […]
Disclosures and the Franchise Code – The lesson of Ultra Tune
By a decision of the Federal Court on 18 January 2019 by Justice Bromwich, national franchisor Ultra Tune was ordered to pay fines totaling $2,604,000. The fines (known as pecuniary penalties) sought by the ACCC and awarded by the Court were for various breaches of the Franchising Code of Conduct (Code) and Australian Consumer Law. The […]
Psychometric testing for prospective franchisees. The way of the future?
Selecting a new franchisee can be a big risk for a franchise. Will this person perform well? Will they grow the business? Will their customers form a favourable opinion of the brand? But it’s also a big risk for a new franchisee, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of their time, […]
Calls for franchising sector inquiry gather steam, but should it only focus on the “negative stories”?
The prospect of a parliamentary inquiry into Australian franchising will be back on the table next week, but those familiar with the sector say it will only help the system if the good examples of franchising are also featured in a review. Nationals Senator John Williams is set to move a referral next week to […]
ACCC takes action against franchisor GEOWASH Hand Car Wash
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has applied to the Federal Court for leave to commence proceedings against Geowash Pty Ltd (subject to deed of company arrangement) (Geowash), a national car wash franchisor that has been marketing and selling hand car wash franchises since 2013. The ACCC proceedings will allege that Geowash made false or […]
The lifecycle of a franchise system – INFOGRAPHIC
The lifestyle of a franchise system – INFOGRAPHIC All franchise systems have a life-cycle. From inception of the idea, to creation of the franchise offering, to expansion of the network, to conclusion through possible sale. Each point of the franchise life-cycle has its own challenges. Download our franchise life-cycle infographic and take a look for […]
Aventus rebrands with new website, logos and locations
“Commercial Law, Done Differently” – Aventus rebrands with new website, logos and locations Aventus is excited to announce that 1 July 2016 marks the launch of our major rebrand, the first since we opened our doors 10 years ago. It is an exciting time for Aventus, with new locations, new logos and our brand new […]