A culture of inclusiveness
ASK ALMOST any expert on New Zealand’s franchise sector to name an outstanding example of a franchise system ‘doing it right’ and the name Paramount Systems will inevitably pop up – just as the name has dominated the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards by winning the Supreme Franchise System Award in 2018, 2015 and 2008.
Its genesis was a family cleaning business founded in 1979 by Suzanne and Galvin Bartlett, servicing a group of central Auckland commercial sites.
Launched in 1991 Paramount Services now operates nationwide and has 167 franchise business owners employing a further 850 staff, serving more than 2000 clients. Through all that growth the privately-owned franchise has managed to maintain its ‘old-fashioned family values’.
“We know that franchise businesses are often family affairs and we make it our mission to provide a caring, supportive environment for our staff, our franchisees and their employees,” says Galvin Bartlett.
Paramount is unique in that it provides packages of secured client contracts that earn franchisees a living income, as well as a turnover guarantee for 24 months. Other pluses include low entry cost, minimal operational training, excellent returns and steady income, says Bartlett, as well as scalable growth.
“Overall our competitive advantage lies in our investment in innovation, technology, client support tools, people and processes to maintain excellent client relationships,” he says.
People are attracted to Paramount for a variety of reasons, Bartlett adds, often through word of mouth. Although he knows of at least one immigrant franchisee who was sold on the fact that the franchise has ISO accreditation – the sign of a substantial, well-resourced and managed company.
“New franchisees have the benefit of our experience, investment in business systems and processes and our innovative culture,” says Bartlett. “They join a family where we work very hard to ensure every family member succeeds.”
And his best insights on franchising successfully after 28 years in the game?
First, if you want to set up a franchise system or become a franchisee, be sure to seek expert advice.
“Second, even though you do need great systems, business is about people – staff, customers, franchisees and suppliers.”