Help (Franchise information required)

buncie

Hi to you all

I must start by saying how pleased I am to have discovered this site, I have gathered more information in the past couple of days from this site than I have from all other sources during the last few weeks.
We are giving very serious consideration to a move to NZ, at 48 I am too old for skilled migration so we consider our best route to be by buying a franchise.
This is where ALL you lovely people in New Zealand come into play fingers crossed

.
I am a very keen gardener and DIY'er and would like to put these skills to use while earning a crust in NZ.
With this in mind I have been looking at a franchise such as Mr Greens etc etc.
What I would like to have is your opinion on the profile of such companies in NZ,also is the market they operate in over supplied, can a decent living be achieved, in short any info you consider relevant.
Has anyone used the franchise route, any tips etc.
Thanks in advance Clapping

rob · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:55 am Post subject:

Can't help you with any accuracy as I'm here in Blighty but I have espied this site which may be of use to you, if you haven't seen it already.

http://www.franchise.co.nz

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 2:44 pm Post subject:

The franchise route may not automatically entitle you to PR without relevant work experience. I should contact Jamie Smith for his opinion as he is an expert on LTBV's!!

Nice One

Jamie Smith

Hi there Buncie

I'll assume you're looking at business skills migration rather than coming to NZ with residence in hand ie via Investor Route.

To qualify, you need evidence of having been in full control of a business for at least 2 years (very minor exceptions exist, but not enough to give sound advice). That business history must be related to the proposed new business, so unless your property at home is of grand and stately size and you maintained it all yourself, it would be difficult to get NZIs to agree to change of industry for you.

Unless you can show control of HR, Finance, Marketing and Operations, or have an excellent reason for exemption (and very few of those exist), then LTBV is not an option.

In terms of franchising, either the franchise opportunity can justify new jobs ie new franchise outlet of a fair size, or you have to go for master franchise and create jobs as you spin off the territories underneath.

Mr Green are fully informed as franchise company and good to go with for LTBV.

If all of this is difficult too achieve, then assuming you're open minded about target country? send me a PM with your CV and I'll offer suggestions for Australia's equivalent policy, it's quite a bit looser.

veronica · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:57 pm Post subject:

what's your day job. would it be possible to stick with that and change to gardening etc after you have residency.

buncie · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:04 am Post subject:

Cheers Rob,I had looked at that site but you cant beat real life experiences of others for information.Thanks Rob

buncie · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:07 am Post subject:

Hi Veronica, a major part of the desire to move is to get away from my type of work and do what I get pleasure from, but I take your point.
Thanks John

buncie

Jamie yer a star, cheers Clapping

justin.g.s · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 7:16 am Post subject:

jamie, I have tried to e-mail you several times with out success, could your buzz me at syphers@peoplepc.com re a post before for buisness for dad. justin

Jamie Smith · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:00 pm Post subject:

Hi there Justin

I've sent you an email.

Cheers

Timbo · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 2:53 am Post subject: Franchise for ltbv

Hi all. We too are looking at the possibility of buying a new franchise to qualify for LTBV. My background matches the criteria a sI have been self employed (sole trader) in u.k for several years. I am currently in discussion with franchisor Hire-a-Hubby based in Auckland. They are VERY helpfull.
My question is really for Jamie I suppose. Is it possible to proceed with application from within NZ while at the same time, purchase business and get things set u and running. I realise this would carry an element of risk in that if visa was not granted we would be stumped. But it must be easier to carry out market research and establish a client base from within the country instead of trying to do it from here. Any comments welcome. Sorry for waffling on.
Tim

Jamie Smith · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Franchise for ltbv

Hi Timbo

If you go for a franchise there must be job creation as a result, and NZIS prefer this to be as area franchise with new territories to be spun off from it over time.

You can lodge from NZ or anywhere and should do most research and planning prior to lodgement. You can establish a business and direct it but cannot work in it until you have a permit, ie you cannot get your hands dirty until you're allowed to.

If you have a business operating and don't get a visa you can always modify the proposal and try again with new application, but best if you get it right first time.

cheers

Timbo · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 8:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jamie. I thought you would have the answer. I am using a visa agency based in London, so Iam tied into their contract. If this was not the case I would go with you for business plan as not been too happy with current agents advice so far. Hind sight is a glorious thing eh?
Cheers Tim

Timbo · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 9:14 pm Post subject: Curiosity

Just out of curiosity, what is the situation with regard to Australia and starting up from scratch ? Either new business or franchise etc. I am 43 yrs by the way. Dont know how much impact that would have.
Tim

Jamie Smith · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 10:31 pm Post subject: Re: Curiosity

Aus is a little easier but have to be careful not to go for micro business franchise ie do more than just self employed. Some states will go with it but maybe not your preferred State.

They have minimum expectations for previous business turnover as (part owner) but they do allow GMs and management level Directors which NZ doesn't.

Under 45 you don't need State Sponsorship but the unsponsored criteria are higher, so if you can't meet the full stretch in policy Sponsorship is in many ways easier way to go.