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Board of Directors
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Stephen Giles, Chairman
Stephen Giles is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Franchise Council of Australia.
Stephen is a partner with Norton Rose. He has been a member of the Franchise Council of Australia almost since its inception, was founding secretary and is a former President of the Victorian Chapter, served as chairman of the FCA in 1998 and from 2000 - 2007, and has been a national director of the FCA since 1997, handling the portfolio of Industry Regulation and Government Relations.
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He has been officially recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Franchising three times nationally and twice in Victoria by the Franchise Council of Australia, and currently serves as Chair of FCA Ethics Committee and Chair of FCA Legal Committee. In 2009 Stephen was inducted into the FCA Franchise Hall of Fame.
He has represented the FCA in negotiations with the Australian Government on the regulatory framework for the sector over the past 12 years, preparing the numerous industry submissions on regulatory matters. He also championed the FCA's involvement in the successful High Court appeal in Ketchell's case.
In his time as FCA Chairman FCA membership numbers and participation rates more than doubled, the influence of the FCA in Government was substantially enhanced, formal franchise education programs were developed and launched and a number of initiatives were introduced to enhance the quality of Australian franchising. He assisted the FCA to transition from a trade association focused primarily on networking to a financially sound and strategically focused industry body with a broad membership base and effective professional management.
Professionally he is a leader in his field. A partner with national law firm Deacons/Norton Rose specializing in franchising, trade practices and commercial transactions he is listed in Legal Profiles and The International Who's Who of Franchising Lawyers as Australia's leading franchising lawyer, and he heads the Deacons Franchising Group, which is described by Legal Profiles as "Australia's premier national franchising group".
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Michael Paul, Deputy Chairperson
Michael Paul is the CEO and founder of Pack & Send, an Australian owned franchise system based on a unique retail business model that provides a one stop custom packing and freighting service to businesses, householders and tourists.
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Established in 1993, Pack & Send, under Michael's guidance and leadership has developed into a national retail network of over 100 franchise stores throughout Australia. The company was recognised in 2007 as the 'Australian Franchisor of the Year' and in 2008 Pack & Send earned second place in the prestigious International Franchisor of the Year Award - a major achievement given the company was up against some of the major global economies and franchising cultures in the world. In 2008 Pack & Send also expanded its franchise retail network to the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Michael has extensive franchising experience (16 years) and speaks regularly at conventions, seminars, forums, and small business functions both in Australia and internationally about issues he is passionate about, such as world class franchising practices and building a culture of 'no limits' customer service.
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Tony Melhem, Deputy Chairperson
Tony Melhem is a Director of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and is the inaugural Chairman of the FCA's National Franchisee Forum which represents Australia's 72,000 franchisees and franchisors.
Tony's focus over the years has been about building bridges between franchisees, franchisors and suppliers to enhance and improve the franchise sectors reputation and profitability. He has acted in a leadership role and in an advisory capacity to the FCA Board in formulating or modifying the FCA's policies and programs that impact the franchisor and the franchisee community as a whole.
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Tony has been supporting the FCA and the franchise sector for the last six years. In 2006 Tony took part as the franchisee representative in the Federal Government and ACCC's 'Matthew's Report' and review of the Franchising Code of Conduct.
In 2007 Tony participated as part of the Australian delegation to the International Franchise Association Conference in the United States to bring back best practice in franchising learning's to Australia and setup the FCA's National Franchisee Forum. Currently Tony contributes and writes a monthly column for Franchise Magazine column called 'Your Voice'.
Tony has also won the FCA 'Franchisee of the Year' two years in a row in 2005-06 placing first over 50,000 of NSW's and the ACT's best franchises. He also won the 2004/05 Franchisee of the Year within his own system.
Tony has extensive business and government experience previously working in senior management for the Ministry of Transport as Media and Communications Manager and as a Government Senior Business Development Manager.
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George Yammouni, B.Bus., CPA, Director
George is the CEO of the Bathroom Werx Group (which includes Mend-A-Bathroom) - a national franchise system which specialises in bathroom renovations and Makeovers.
Having started life as a franchisee in 1986, he acquired the Australian Franchise in 1988 and then began franchising in 1990.
Bathroom Werx Franchisees renovate over 100 bathrooms per week around Australia for Customers, including the world's leading Hotel groups.
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George is one of Australia's leading exponents of service franchising. Having been a franchisee himself he understands what it takes to build up a successful franchise.
George has contributed to the FCA since 1993 in the following roles:
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Chairman 2009 to 2010
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Deputy Chairman: 2007 to 2008.
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Finance Director: 2003 to 2008.
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President Victorian Chapter: 2003 to 2006
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Vice President Victorian Chapter: 1999 to 2003
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Treasurer Victorian Chapter: 1994 to 1996.
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Sponsorship and Marketing Chair: 1995 & 2003 FCA National Conference.
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Victorian Chapter Committee member: 1993 to 2006.
George also serves as a Director of a private college in Melbourne as well as maintaining a passionate interest in basketball as a Level 2 coach.
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Jim Cornish, Director
Having started his first business at the age of 18, Jim originally qualified as a veterinarian, before completing a Masters in Business Administration. Jim has held senior positions with multinational companies such as Mars, Merial and Nestle, culminating in the role of Marketing Director (Specialist Channels) for Asia, Africa and Oceania for Nestle Purina prior to co-founding Ecowash Mobile in 2004.
In only 5 years Ecowash Mobile has grown into a international multi-award winning franchise system with operations in over 17 countries including Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Central America and the USA - establishing itself as the no.1 waterless car washing and detailing franchise in the world. Recently Jim rebranded the Ecowash brand to Nanotek.
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Recent awards include: #3 ranking in 2009 BRW Fast Franchises list, 2008 FCA Franchise Export of the Year, 2008 Australian Business Awards for 1) enterprise 2) service excellence 3) environmental sustainability, and 4) international trade, 2008 Best Services Retailer - National Retail Association, 2008 NAB Top Franchise Award (Smart Company Awards), 2008 BRW "Fast 100" & 2007/2008 BRW Fast Starters "Top 100", 2007 & 2008 SmartCompany50 winner, 2007 FCA Emerging Franchise System of the Year (NSW/ACT), and 2007 Australian Business Award for Enterprise.
Jim sees the FCA as a playing a pivotal role in raising the profile of franchising in Australia and creating opportunities for Australian franchise systems in global markets. With franchising set to boom in the wake of the global financial crisis, the FCA provides franchisors and franchisees with the credibility and impact of a common voice and a united representation.
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Ralph Edwards, Director, QLD State President
Ralph Edwards is a champion of small business. Having spent the last 25 years owning and operating a variety of businesses, all of which are still in operation today, Ralph's understanding of the challenges business owners face will help guide the FCA Board this year.
For the last 8 years Ralph owned and successfully managed Bright Eyes Sunglass Stores Australia. He took the existing business from 80 to 140 franchisees and in that time improved franchisee margins and profitability, making Bright Eyes one of Australia's largest sunglass retail networks.
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Ralph has been a member of the FCA QLD State Chapter for the last five years, holding the position of Vice President for the last two and now taking on the role of President.
Ralph made the BRW Fast 100 list 3 years in a row and relishes the challenges and relationships that are made through running your own business.
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Jason Gehrke, Director
Jason's involvement in franchising covers more than 18 years at franchisee, franchisor and advisor level. He consults to franchisors and franchisees on systemic and best practice issues, and coordinates a national program of franchise education events.
Jason publishes the fortnightly email news service Franchise News & Events, has written submissions to state and national franchise inquiries, and contributes articles to various media. He is a member of the ACCC's 12-person franchise consultative panel and is a past FCA award winner.
Photo courtesy of Studio 60
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Mark Langford, Director, SA State President
Mark Langford is the Managing Director and the founder of the computer games retail franchise Gametraders. He commenced the business in South Australia in June 2000 and commenced franchising in May 2001. Today there are over 40 retail stores in all mainland states of Australia.
Mark is the president of the South Australian branch of the FCA and has served on the committee for over 6 years.
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Elisabeth Ritchie, Director, NSW State President
Elisabeth Ritchie, Lead Partner of HWL Ebsworth's Franchising & Licensing team is an active member of the New South Wales committee for the Franchise Council of Australia.
Elisabeth acts for both franchisors, master franchisees and franchisees in a range of sectors. She advises in relation to the set up of systems as well as in relation to ongoing issues including compliance and regulatory issues, dealing with franchise disputes and developing structures and documentation to export systems internationally.
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Elisabeth has contributed many articles to franchise publications including Franchising Magazine and Franchise Business Magazine, is often quoted in the press in relation to franchising issues and drafted the Franchising Code Compliance Manual for the ACCC in 2007.
In 2000 she was presented with a national award by the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) for "Outstanding Contribution to the Franchise Education". In 2006 she received the NSW "Contribution to Franchising" award from the FCA and in 2007 she was selected for "The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2008" publication.
Elisabeth's areas of expertise includes:
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Drafting documentation for the setup of franchise systems
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Protection and enforcement of trade marks and confidential know-how in systems
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Franchise and intellectual property dispute resolution
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Accredited Mediator
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Trade Practices and Franchising Code Compliance
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Gary Carter, Director, VIC State President
Gary Carter is General Manager Franchise Operations at FC Business Solutions providing fully integrated Franchise operations services, including Franchise feasibility studies, business system development, growth strategies, system diagnostics and strengthening, training and development, network planning and health checks in all operational matters.
As the former Tatts Lotteries General Manager Retail Operations, Gary has more than 30 years experience in leading and managing large multi-site franchise and retail networks and has also worked with other well-known brands such as Bevilles Jewellers.
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Mike Stringer, Director, WA State President
Mike Stringer is Franchisor of Car Care and Housework Heroes, which has around 150 franchisees across Australia and New Zealand.
Car Care was established in 1987 and is Australia's largest mobile car detailer. Housework Heroes has been ranked in the top 50 fastest growing franchises in BRW's annual focus on the sector, over the last three years.
Mike's previous experience includes 12 years at Canon in Europe where as Marketing General Manager, he was responsible for developing the Canon brand from its traditional camera bias to a leader in the integrated office environment. Since leaving Canon he has operated several businesses in the Internet and Graphics arena.
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Steve Wright, Executive Director
Steve Wright is a media and communications professional with over 15 years experience in industry advocacy and stakeholder relations, including investor, media and government relations and regulatory affairs. Prior to joining the FCA, Steve was Director (Communications) with Gavin Anderson & Company, one of the nation's leading public affairs, corporate and government relations consultancies. Before joining Gavin Anderson, he was Director, Stakeholder Relations, at Hutchison Telecoms, a network owner and licensed operator of the Orange and 3 mobile phone services in Australia and overseas. Prior to that, he was Director of Public Affairs for Optus and SingTel Optus. Steve has also run his own small business and played a central role in the start-up of successful internet publishing business, Alan Kohler's Eureka Report.
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Franchise Fever
3wbc 94.1FM Melbourne radio
Broadcast 2 February 2012
FCA Executive Director Steve Wright joins George Lopez and...
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Debate flares over SA small business role
Jessica Gardner
The Weekend Australian Financial Review 4-5 February 2012
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The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) has joined a chorus of concern about the appointment of Sydney-based Associate Professor Frank Zumbo...
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About Alliance Partners
The Alliance Partners of the FCA provide specialist services for the franchise sector and support the FCA and our members. If you have a need for - Promoting your business at expos (Franchising Expo), Telecommunications (Pacnet) or Printing (Whirlwind) - then simply click on the icons above to find out more.
Security Services - Predict, Prevent, Protect
Charter Security was established in 1996 as a security provider specialising in security services to corporate and government organisations. Charter Security has built a range of services that are tailored to the corporate business sector, protecting business assets - both physical and intellectual, minimising risk, and strategic planning security developments. Click here for more information.
Franchising & Small Business Expo
Since 1987, The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo has brought franchisors and franchisees together. Exhibitions are a unique advertising medium allowing franchisors face to face communication with potential franchisees. Our events are visited by over 35,000 people annually and give potential franchisees the opportunity to quickly research a large number of business options in one place, and get a wide range of specialist advice on going into business for themselves. Exclusively endorsed by the Franchise Council of Australia, we are committed to delivering the best shows for the franchising community.
The event is held annually in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Visit us at www.franchisingexpo.com.au.
Telecommunication & Internet Serviecs
Pacnet is a leading national telecommunications company that delivers Internet and communication solutions with award-winning service and support. As the business broadband specialist we understand the unique needs of the franchise market and have extensive experience tailoring technology solutions especially for franchises ensuring they gain maximum business benefits. We invite you to discover why so many Australian franchise groups have made the connection to our services, such as Bakers Delight and Michel's Patisserie. Pacnet’s services include business-grade voice, mobile, network, Internet, data and cloud computing solutions. Click here for more information.
Printing Services
As a leader in offset printing and with a focus on upgradable, cutting edge technology, Whirlwind services clients Australia wide, including many of the country's top franchises. By continually pushing the envelope on behalf of clients and employing passionate print people, Whirlwind is working towards its vision to become the most sustainable printer in Australia. Click here for more information.
Insurance & Risk Management Servies
Willis is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 300 offices worldwide, with a global team of approximately 16,000 employees serving clients in some 190 countries. Click here for more information.
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