The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), tasked with upholding high standards within the Australian franchising industry, faces a grim future marked by financial difficulties and organisational disarray.
"The FCA...is struggling to survive"
according to The Age and Sydney Morning Heralds' concerning article, titled “As franchisors partied in Cairns, the body representing them was on the brink of financial ruin.” Recent investigations have unveiled several workplace complaints, financial instability and reputational damage raising serious questions about the future of the FCA.
Financial Struggles
According to the article, the FCA has reported significant financial losses, with a net loss of $1 million in the nine months leading up to 31 March. The organisation's cash reserves have drastically dwindled, from $1.3 million in September 2022 to just $158,000 by March of this year. The cost of hosting industry events, such as the three-day convention in Cairns, has further strained the FCA's finances. The total net assets of the FCA were deficient by $405,000 at the end of March. Despite efforts to manage expenses, the organisation’s financial burdens have continued to mount, with salaries and travel expenses seeing substantial increases.
As the FCA board deliberates on increasing membership fees to recover from their financial missteps and dwindling membership, it has come to light through leaked documents that the FCA has been neglecting to pay licensing fees to the International Franchise Association (IFA). This oversight becomes more pressing as the IFA requires the FCA to collect a licence agreement fee from each candidate, adding strain to an already unsustainable membership model. Highlighting the irony, a decade ago, high fees imposed by the Retail Food Group on franchises like Gloria Jean’s and Donut King brought intense scrutiny to the industry. Today, the FCA finds itself in a similar financial quandary as the entities it aims to represent and protect, mirroring past industry crises it was expected to mitigate.
Leadership Issues and Mismanagement
Former CEO Matthew Monaghan’s tenure was marked by numerous complaints and high staff turnover. Monaghan, who had a history of short tenures in previous roles, faced allegations of creating a toxic workplace culture and mismanaging the organisation. Former staff members described an environment of incompetence and mismanagement, where employees felt they were constantly walking on eggshells. Two formal complaints were lodged against Monaghan, ultimately leading to an investigation and his subsequent resignation.
Monaghan’s leadership style, which was criticised for being indecisive and placing unreasonable pressure on employees, contributed to the high staff turnover and dissatisfaction within the FCA. Several former staff members reported experiencing intense stress and anxiety due to the constant changes and high expectations. One staff member had a claim accepted after she escalated a complaint to WorkSafe as a result of the overwhelming work environment.
Future Uncertainty
The FCA’s board has been considering various measures to address the financial crisis, including increasing membership fees. However, the challenges remain daunting. The organisation managed to raise only $50,000 from new members in the first nine months of the financial year, falling well short of its target of $340,000. The FCA’s budget forecasts have repeatedly missed their targets, further exacerbating the financial strain.
To mitigate the financial challenges, the FCA has considered increasing its members fees by an eye watering 60%. This move has been met with resistance from members, who are already feeling the financial pressures of the current economic climate. The organisation is also exploring the possibility of applying for loans to help with cash flow issues, although this is seen as a temporary solution rather than a sustainable long-term strategy.
The FCA’s struggles have been compounded by legal issues, including a lawsuit from Compass, the landlord of their former office, seeking $65,000 in damages for breach of contract. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the FCA’s already precarious situation.
The Way Forward
In the wake of Monaghan’s departure, the FCA appointed Tanya Robertson as interim CEO. Robertson has implemented cost-cutting measures and is working to stabilise the organisation. However, the long-term viability of the FCA remains uncertain. The organisation’s ability to enforce high standards in the franchising industry and maintain its reputation is under serious threat.
The challenges faced by the FCA highlight the need for strong leadership, effective financial management and a clear strategic vision for those advocating for change in the franchising industry.
Join AAF and rebuild a better franchising industry
We pose the question: Can an association effectively advocate for both franchisee and franchisor rights simultaneously? Furthermore, is there a need for a deliberate delineation between associations to ensure the protection of franchisee rights?
Additionally, we recommend that franchisee members of the FCA critically evaluate whether their needs and rights are being adequately secured, especially given the FCA's current struggles with making sound business decisions. Considering the organisation's challenges, how can it be trusted to effectively advocate for franchisee rights? It is crucial for members to assess the value and effectiveness of their representation to ensure their interests are truly being prioritised and protected.
In light of these revelations, the Australian Association of Franchisees (AAF) invites those affected to engage with us. We advocate transparently and passionately for the rights of franchisees, emphasising the need for a clear delineation to protect these rights effectively. For support or inquiries, please get in touch with us. We are here to help you navigate the challenges and advocate for your rights within the franchising landscape.
AAF is committed to supporting franchisees through these turbulent times.
This summary reflects the detailed insights provided by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, underscoring the dire situation at the FCA and the need for comprehensive reform within the organisation.
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