The 2004 Competing Fairly Forum, organised by the ACCC’s small business, rural & regional outreach program, will examine franchising. The forum, which consists of a panel discussion between franchising industry participants, video taped and distributed via the ACCC’s regional network, will look at some of the important issues that franchisees should consider before entering into a franchise. The forum will also provide practical information to both franchisors and franchisees on how to successfully manage their commercial relationship.
The benefits and success of franchising have drawn many new participants into the industry. However, not all franchises are the same. Like all business ventures there are risks involved. Some of the issues that arise between franchisors and franchisees may raise trade practices concerns. Franchising in Australia is regulated by a mandatory industry code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act. The code establishes a number of rights and obligations which apply to both franchisees and franchisors.
Franchising: is it right for you? will address commercial relationships in the franchise industry focusing around three themes:
• the importance of franchise selection and preliminary research
• the process of entering into and running a franchise
• dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of the ACCC.
Franchising: is it right for you? is hosted by the ABC’s Emma Alberici with:
Graeme Samuel, ACCC Chairman
Pippa Colman, mediator from the Office of Mediation Adviser
Richard Evans, CEO, Franchise Council of Australia
Matthew Penfold, Kwik Kopy franchisor
Scott Roworth, Bakers Delight franchisee
Franchising: is it right for you? will be available from September and screened by various organisations including Business Enterprise Centres, Chambers of Commerce and other business advisory organisations.
For details of screenings or to order copies of the Competing Fairly Forum video, contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502. The forum will also be available via webstreaming on the ACCC website www.accc.gov.au
