Networking event-9th July 2021
As the Franchise Association prepares to host the first virtual conference since the start of the pandemic on the 25th & 26th August, aimed at reviewing, resetting and reviving the franchise sector, the monthly networking events in July and August will invite some of the key speakers at the conference to give a taste of what they will be covering at the conference.
Our next virtual networking event – to be held on Friday 9th July – will have some of franchising’s stalwarts and experts give a heads-up on what they will be presenting at the conference and tell us where we are at and where some sectors in franchising are heading.
James Noble, who heads up the Retail & Franchise Division of Absa Business Bank that is sponsoring FASA’s ‘Franchising for Africa’ Conference, will be introducing delegates to the networking breakfast to some of the speakers lined up. He has seen the franchise sector go through many changes over the years and, as one of the leading commercial banks dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, has played a crucial role in the success of franchising over the years. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the global and local economy in such a way that it will take years to recover and will most probably change our ways of work and living like never before in recent time, Absa’s priority remains to support and solution business customers, the owners and staff of the businesses during good but also less good economic times. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what solutions are out there to steer your franchise back to business success.
Eric Parker, one of the founding members of Nando’s and co-owner of the popular Seattle Coffee Co, who runs one of the top franchising consultancies, Franchising Plus will talk about the future of franchising as it rises from the ashes. As one of the founding members of the Franchise Association of South Africa, Eric has seen it all – the good times and the bad, the boom times and the recessionary times – and through this his passion and belief in the viability of franchising is as strong as ever.
As a thought-leader he is always analysing and planning franchising’s next steps and his presentation at the FASA Conference will touch on what franchisors should be doing to ensure their economic survival. Whether it’s changing tactics to remain relevant to finding new ways to recruit franchisees,from picking the anomalies and hurdles brought on by the pandemic to encouraging corporate companies to look at franchising to grow their footprint, Eric Parker will inform and inspire you.
Mike Said – who’s company is MikeSaidWhat? describes himself as ‘just a waiter who got lucky’. With 27 years in the hospitality industry including 3 years as the marketing manager of one of SA’s leading brands (Mugg & Bean), Mike brings his own brand of humour and understanding to the weird and wonderful world of franchising. He pulls no punches … and tells us exactly how it is in a humorous and down-to-earth manner.
- Want to know why some restaurants make it and others don’t? He’ll tell you why?
- Want to know how to get back on the horse? He’ll tell you to get your house in order and then tell you how
- Want to know how businesses can adapt and thrive during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns in South Africa? He’ll give you the low-down on how to do it right.
Mike Said will get you thinking long and hard about the business you want to return to and about the industry you want to return to, for it is going to shape the next few years of your life and possibly beyond. If insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, then surely this is the time to stop, asses and plan so that you can break that cycle.
Maria D’Amico, of D’Amico Incorporated, besides being a respected attorney and FASA’s Chairperson Elect, specializes in franchising, consulting with both established and new franchisors on getting their legal documents in order. She has been at the forefront in picking up the legal changes that may have occurred following the Covid-19 pandemic – from what needs to be changed in franchise contracts to better serve both sides to pin-pointing the conundrum in food franchising as so many brands start using online ordering and delivery services which then results in discrepancies with regards royalty and VAT payments. Interesting insights … a must attend for anyone in the fast-food sector.
FASA and Absa invite you to participate in the Franchising for Africa Virtual Conference on the 25 and 26 August 2021 to hear Lionesses of Africa’s CEO Melanie Hawken present her key research and to explore the exciting world of franchising. For more information and to book early- bird tickets click here
To find out more about the wholesale, retail and franchise industry and the available financial solutions:
• Visit www.absa.co.za
• Call us on +27 11 350 8000
• Email franchise@absa.co.za
To protect, lobby, promote and develop ethical franchising across all sectors in South Africa with specific focus on transformation.
