Creaming it from Cavill franchise
Corporate girls say ‘OK boys’
THE Gold Coast’s Corporate Ladies Lunch — now rebranding to the Corporate Collective due to opening up to males — is expecting 200 people to its relaunch.
The charity lunch group, founded seven years ago by Squirrel House public relations maestro and Bulletin gossip columnist Andrew ‘Squirrel’ Meadowcroft with Wiltshire Family Law’s Emma Baxter, is changing its eligibility but not its not-for-profit status.
Mr Meadowcroft said the move to open it up for men too was at the behest of both sexes after feedback the best event was the annual all-in Christmas party.
“We are bringing it back to its roots of being purely corporate and there is pressure from both ladies and men to be able to both do it,” Mr Meadowcroft said.
It has raised $150,000 for charities from its three to four annual get-togethers.
It was started originally to give local businesswomen an opportunity to network with fellow professionals.
The relaunch, where a new charity partner will be named, is August 3 at BiN 89 in Broadbeach.
Tickets are $35 a head including a beer or wines and finger food. A FAMILY holiday to Surfers Paradise 10 years ago was a life-changing moment for Brett and Kerry Kable when they noticed the local BaskinRobbins ice-cream franchise was for sale.
Wanting a lifestyle change, the former Sydneysiders and ice-cream lovers decided to buy the franchise and move with their three daughters to the Gold Coast.
Two of their daughters work in the shop and later this month the family are set to celebrate the 10th anniversary at the Cavill Mall Store.
Mr Kable is no stranger to running a business having previously owned and operated a professional golf operation in Sydney.
However, his decade-old partnership with Baskin-Robbins was his first foray into Australia’s booming $146 billion franchise sector.
“As with any business, it has its challenges but I enjoy working with my daughters in the shop,” he said. “It’s nice knowing I’m giving my daughters a good start to their future. Founded: Base:
Staff: Business:
Website:
“It’s important to do your homework before taking the plunge. Make sure the franchise you are buying has a reputable name and great product that people want.”
There is one other factor he considers crucial.
“Location is the key to success,” he said.
“Especially when you’re in an ice cream business on the Gold Coast.”
The Baskin-Robbins network of franchises adequately meet many of Mr Kable’s criteria. Some of his fellow Baskin-Robbins franchisees are approaching their 15th anniversaries.
However, according to the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) publication The Risks and Rewards of Franchising, there can also be disadvantages for franchise owners. It states there is “less autonomy and more operational restrictions on franchisees” and that “the franchisor may fail to deliver the franchisee’s expectations”. This is particularly so when product supply is dependent on the franchisor.
The FCA advises that such systems “may require more due diligence” and that franchising is “not risk free”.
The Kables have not suffered any of the pitfalls and are celebrating the decade milestone by starting a home delivery promotion.
“Baskin-Robbins Cavill Mall is offering home delivery through UberEats and Deliveroo, which are both available during store hours, ” he said.
“UberEats has no delivery area limit but Deliveroo is 3km.”
Baskin-Robbins take-home packs come in small, regular and large sizes with all 31 flavours available – and available with a 31 per cent discount on the 31st of every month.
The Kables’ Baskin-Robbins is one of 11 across the Gold Coast.