The pandemic has been tough but franchising is here to stay

The pandemic has been tough but franchising is here to stay

The devastating effects of the pandemic have taken its toll not just on the businesses most affected but in terms of the many people in the industry who were personally affected. The Covid-19 pandemic has rendered normal and usual trading for businesses “unusual” as processes and supply chains were abruptly interrupted. The Franchise Industry, due to its resilient franchise business model, survived the onslaught brought by the pandemic even though some sectors like retail, restaurants (fast foods) and beauty and health were battered. The pandemic brought with it massive economic challenges to the already crumbling economy in that:

  • The number of job losses increased as businesses could not afford to keep their doors open for trading; and
  • Direct foreign investment opportunities came to a standstill as international travelling and trade came to a halt.

Pertunia Sibanyoni, FASA’s Chairperson, in her message in FASA’s 2022 Franchise Digi-mag, the association’s definitive directory of franchise members, thanked the franchise community for their commitment in this tough and resilient period that we all had to undergo as the franchising industry. “We look forward to a collaborative year of including all other key stakeholders to take franchising to another level and continue offering a compelling value proposition.”

To this end FASA’s CEO, Fred Makgato has been tasked with one of FASA’s key strategic objectives of lobbying government for urgent interventions and to this end has been attending meetings both with the President, the Minister of Small Business and the Gauteng MEC and Premier who have formed a task team to assess the damage and jointly find relief solutions. “It is recognised that youth unemployment is a serious threat to the country’s economy”, say Fred Makgato. “It is for this reason that the FASA Board took a strategic decision to focus on transforming the industry thereby collaborating with FASA’s stakeholders to create franchise opportunities in and around townships. The introduction of the franchise business model, coupled with soon-to-be launched Franchise Manager Occupational Training, in and around townships, will empower and inspire the youth to take up franchise opportunities provided to them.”

FASA is focussing in ensuring that the franchise business model, as proven over the years, continues to innovate in terms of systems, products and services offered in order to continue on the trajectory of contributing to the country’s GDP through its members’ participation in 14 economic sectors. FASA is poised to become a stronger voice for its members and the industry on all fronts.

Concludes Pertunia Sibanyoni, “we are also seeing, in these times of uncertainty, people gravitate towards brands that they know and trust, and who can offer them processes, systems and standards that will ensure they have a greater chance of business success. We encourage anyone who is interested in getting into business for themselves but not by themselves, to purchase FASA’s 2022 Franchise Digi-Manual – not only to educate themselves on the benefits of franchising, but to find out who our ethical members are.”

 

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