Instant Asset Write-Off Extension Announced

With Australian small businesses across many industries feeling the pressure of the economic downturn triggered by COVID-19, the extension of the governments Instant Asset Write-Off scheme is a welcome announcement. The scheme was due to end on EOFY 31 June but has been extended until the end of 2020.

Originally offering an immediate deduction with a threshold amount for each asset of $30,000, the program is designed to support small businesses and encourage them to continue to invest in their own growth and expansion. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the threshold was extended to $150,000 as an incentive for more businesses to take part. Eligible businesses are those with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million, however you can check your full eligibility here.

Whilst some advocates are pushing for the scheme to be made permanent in order to help bolster the growth of the counties small business sector, others are highlighting the $300 million cost of just extending the scheme another 6 months.

The government states that the extension will help support over 3.5 million small businesses who purchase new or used assets over the period. By enabling business owners to deduct the asset value in one hit rather than spacing it out over several years, cash flow and growth timelines can be improved. However, there is speculation of the schemes success as research suggests that many operators do not have the initial capital required to purchase the assets.

However, if this is the case there are several options which will allow small business owners to take part in the scheme. Utilising equipment financing is an option that allows for the immediate purchase of assets without having to dip into the businesses cash reserves. Common options are Operating Lease and Chattel Mortgage solutions.

Under a Chattel Mortgage loan, borrows own the assets from the outset and pay off the value over a set term. This allows business owners to depreciate the assets on their balance sheet, as well as have the potential to claim a tax input credit for any applicable GST on the purchase. Whereas under an Operating Lease the financier owns the equipment over the term of the loan, and at the end a residual value is paid to transfer ownership. The option is generally 100% tax deductible and popular among small business operators.

The extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme is an opportunity for small businesses to invest in their growth and recovery post COVID-19. Whether owners are looking to invest in new technology, operating equipment or machinery now is a great time to consider purchasing.

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Wellbeing: A Field Manager Self-Check

A role as a field management can be dynamic, challenging and rewarding. However, when working in the field, managing your own mental health is an important part of the job. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy work-life balance but is a vital element in your ability to achieve success in your role. Often, those working in management rolls can ignore their own stress or neglect their wellbeing when addressing the challenges of their franchisees.

Field work, case work and people management can be stressful careers, and those who work in such roles need to ensure they are taking time to undertake a self-check and remain aware of their own wellbeing. This may come in many different forms, depending on how you experience stress and what helps revitalise you. Common stress responses include physical manifestations such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and muscle tightness. However, stress can also display itself through behavioural symptoms irritability, anxiety, disengagement, and inability to concentrate.

Field managers are often excellent at picking up these signs and symptoms in their franchisees yet may struggle to identify them within their own behaviour. Dealing with franchisees who may be doing through a period of distress can be emotionally draining for field managers. Often, people may take on the problems and stresses of their franchisees at the cost of their own mental health.

In a recent FRI breakout session, the Cashflow It Group team gained some valuable insights from field managers on how they maintain their energy and manage the challenges they face everyday in their role. There were some clear trends, however it is important to consider that what works for one person may not be right for you.

Traditional self-care activities such as daily exercise, meditation and mindfulness are all popular choices. There were however some more unique responses such as learning new skills to share with franchisees, collaborative work projects, and future planning. These activities can help build more personal connections with franchisees and refocus thoughts towards more optimistic times ahead.

No matter how well you manage stress, it is important to take the time to step-back and undertake a wellbeing self-check. Try to consider if you are placing your wellbeing at the forefront of your priorities, and if not, carve out some time in your schedule to dedicate to self-care.

 

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A Guide to Conducting Effective Virtual Field Visits

The way we communicate and connect with those around us has changed dramatically as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe. Many franchisees have had to adapt their operating model in order to meet social distancing standards, and this same methodology applies to those working on the franchisor side of the business. Field managers’ roles often involve travelling around and logging face-to-face hours with their franchisees, however at this current time it just is not feasible, and as a result virtual field visits are becoming more common. Despite the many ways that virtual field visits can increase efficiencies, such as reduced travel time and more flexibility in scheduling, this can be counteracted by technical issues and distractions and at time derail meeting plans. So, how can field managers best conduct effective virtual field visits? The tools you choose to use matter. Opting to conduct visits over a video platform is a great choice as it helps to make the conversation personal and allows participants to gauge each other’s reactions and engagement. However, ensure that there is the option to partake with audio only, as video requires a strong internet connection which may not be accessible. Another important step is for both the field manager and franchisee to do a test-run ahead of time. Making sure that the chosen software is installed correctly, webcams and microphones are working, and that everyone is familiar with the program will avoid any frustrations. The next step is to plan an agenda to ensure that the meeting stays on track. This is something that field managers would likely do regardless, however during a virtual visit it is vital that the conversation stays focused. Field managers should reach out to the franchisee in advance and ask if there is anything they would like to discuss in the meeting. This allows both parties to prepare any necessary resources and ensure that each issue can be properly addressed during the virtual visit. The sharing of information and resources is also an important consideration. The software or platform being used to conduct the meeting will determine the process for sharing of resources. Some platforms will allow for the live sharing of documents during the meeting, whereas others may not have this capability meaning that documents should be sent ahead of time via email. Finally, it is important that all participants are given time to talk. Just like in any field visit, there should be a balance between what the franchisee is bringing to the table and what the field manager is contributing. Ensure that the environment is collaborative and productive, this can be achieved by discouraging multi-taking or the use of any ‘mute’ functions. We hope that these tips help both franchisees and field managers in adapting to our new normal (at least for the moment). Field visits are an important part of the franchisor-franchisee relationship and the ability to continue conducting such visits despite social distancing restrictions will help keep the network connected.

 

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Co-working Spaces, A New Opportunity in Franchising

Co-working spaces are trending globally as employees call for more flexibility in their working arrangements and companies embrace the remote workplace. The concept of shared office spaces is not a new one, with many small companies opting to pool their resources into a shared office space. However, this trend has evolved into the co-working spaces we know today, unique multi-purpose buildings often located in city hubs and retail precincts.

International Workplace Group reported that by 2030, it is predicted that 30% commercial real estate will be flexible workplaces. This figure is quite realistic, with the co-working market current worth $36 billion and at least 50% of workers doing their job remotely a couple of day a week. A survey of 18,000 business leaders found that an overwhelming 89% believed utilising flexible workspaces helps their business grow.

With flexible workplaces and remote working set to become the new normal, we can expect to see changes in city plans, with a shift away from corporate parks and office districts towards a more integrated approach. A significant appeal of many co-working spaces is their proximity to dining and retail amenities, often located in the heart of the city.

As an industry set to see significant growth in the coming years, co-working spaces present an opportunity for the franchise industry to grow and diversify. Whilst traditionally the franchise model is associated with retail and quick service restaurant brands, getting involved in a flexible workplace franchise is an investment in a new era of corporate operations.

With lower overheads and operating costs than more traditional franchise businesses, co-working spaces present an opportunity for high return. There are a range of options for those looking to invest, ranging from a full service office space, with hot desking, private offices, meeting rooms and communal areas, or simply a desk within a large open plan space.

So whether you are looking to purchase your first franchise, or diversify your existing franchising portfolio the co-working market could be the right investment for you.

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The Role Of CSR In Franchising

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a term that was coined in the late 60’s, but has truly come into prominence over the past decade. CSR is a broad term but generally refers to a company's involvement and activities regarding ethical and social issues affecting the communities they operate within. CSR at its core aims to ensure that companies are held accountable for their social, economic and environmental impact. At first, this began with the philanthropic actions of corporations, but now extends to include changes made to the everyday running of a business that are geared towards a more sustainable future.

When it comes to the franchise industry, lines can become blurred when it comes to exactly who should be making and implementing CSR initiatives. No matter if it comes from the franchisor at a top level, or is built from the ground up by a networks franchisees, any action towards running a more socially responsible business has a positive impact.

Often franchise brands run CSR initiatives on a national scale, and encourage each partner within their network to get on board and represent the cause at a local level. Partnering with a charity leads to increased exposure not only for the franchise brand but for the cause they support, doubling the potential for awareness. A prime example of this is the Poolwerx Swim Safety Initiative to Make A Difference, which aims to prevent drownings by giving every child the chance to learn to swim. If a company doesn’t have a national strategy, many franchisees partake in CSR by investing in their local community. Common activities include sponsoring a local sporting team, donating to a charity or supporting school or club.

You may be wondering why a CSR strategy should be a top priority for a franchise brand, given so many around the world have seen success without one? Well studies have shown that Millennials, more than any generation that came before them, consider real social change hugely important. This generation represents a large portion of the consumer market and actively seek out brands that have meaningful CSR programs. This is further reflected by a survey of online consumers that showed more than half would pay more for products and services if they come from a company that is socially and environmentally responsible.

When creating and implementing a CSR strategy, the first and foremost goal should be to make a positive contribution to society. But this doesn’t mean that this is where the benefits of being a responsible company stop. A well thought-out CSR plan should make sure that customers feel a sense of good for their purchase, knowing they’re helping contribute to a larger cause. Because of societies drive and desire to do and feel good, this can ultimately lead to a healthier bottom line.

For franchise brands in particular, CSR has come to play a crucial role in franchisee recruitment and retention. As more and more Millennials start to invest in the franchise industry, the importance they place upon ethical and sustainable business will become a key factor in the recruitment drive. A company's corporate behavior gives potential franchisees valuable insight into values and principles that brand practices, and potential recruits are looking to align themselves with like-minded brands.

CSR plays an important role in ensuring that the world's commercial practices remain ethical and sustainable. Many brands take pride in their CSR initiatives and strive to give more and more back to the community and their businesses grow and succeed. However, whether you are a national franchise network or a single franchisee, CSR should be a top priority for more reason than one!

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Accessing Business Finance With No Property Backing

There is no doubt that access to funds has been a major barrier to small business ownership for a long time, and over the fast few years the complex application requirements of the big banks have become more restrictive. Recently, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 1 in 3 Australians don’t own a home. The increasing volatility of the country’s property market means that home ownership is becoming increasingly unattainable, and further those who do own property are struggling as property values fluctuate.

Even though 60% of small business owners are looking for funds to grow their business, the concern of property backing is becoming an increasing challenge. This is where non-bank lenders and alternative finance providers can help. Whilst such lenders have always played an important role in bridging the gap between the offerings of traditional banks and the varied needs of small business owners, their role in Australia’s lending landscape is becoming more important than ever.

Non-bank lenders are experiencing a steep rise in adoption rates. Though many are unable to compete with traditional providers on interest rate, they offer a wealth of other benefits which appeal to small business borrowers. Quicker and simpler application processes, reduced paperwork, flexibility and transparency were among some of the favour characteristics of alternative lenders. However most notably, non-bank lenders willingness to secure against business assets rather than personal property assets has been a key differentiator.

Whilst banks are still resistant to offer business loans which don’t take personal property as security, the flexible funding options of non-bank funders are more aligned with the circumstance of many of Australia’s small business owners. Whilst it is likely that borrows will have to compromise on rate, studies found that this is not a major concern. A recent SME Growth index found that a hopping 91% of SMEs would be willing to pay a higher interest rate to avoid using their home as security. This percentage reflects the impact that Australia’s property market is having on business owners.

The key takeaway is that if you are not a homeowner, or you don’t want to risk your home as security, there are options out there to suit you. Whilst banks and traditional lenders are a staple of Australia’s lending landscape, small business owners should consider non-bank and alternative funding sources that may be a better fit for their business finance needs.

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