Former federal cabinet minister Bruce Billson has been appointed Executive Chair of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA).
The FCA, whose mission is to support the growth and success of franchising in Australia, says Mr Billson’s appointment is aimed at boosting vitality in the sector.
“Franchising is a wonderful model for entrepreneurship where people can be in their own business, but not be on their own in this commercial journey,” Mr Billson said.
He added that he believed franchising had remained a resilient business model during and following the global financial crisis and that improved business conditions should allow for franchising in Australia to grow.
“There’s considerable scope to expand the appeal of franchising, particularly to the increasing number of women and young people looking to ‘have a go’ with their own business, by adding to the 79,000 independently owned and operated franchise outlets,” Mr Billson said.
In addition to the former small-business minister’s appointment, the FCA will be tasking a new CEO with resetting, renewing and re-energising the contribution and representation of the organisation.
“The FCA is certain that the future of franchising is very positive and the board has taken decisive action to reshape the industry body to be able to add greater value for franchisers, franchisees and sector service providers as franchising continues to grow,” outgoing FCA Chairman and Pack & Send founder and CEO Michael Paul said.