Despite a challenging few years in business and the economic difficulties still facing many parts of the world, we can’t help but feel here at Global Franchise magazine that we are also experiencing a time of optimism. A large part of that is the IFA Convention in Las Vegas and the associated Global Franchise Awards.
This year we received the greatest number of nominations ever and our judges were overwhelmingly impressed by their high standard. Not only are franchise brands demonstrating real resilience, innovation and agility in the bounceback after COVID, but their achievements support their strategies, with expansions and investments at the fore. Never has cooperation, collaboration and smart investment in people, products and systems been more vital, and the wider business world would do well to look at franchising for a lead on navigating the high seas that lie ahead.
As such, the overarching theme of this issue is future-facing. Our 12-page power list is focused on shining examples of forward-looking brands. They might not all be world leaders (yet!), but they’re unafraid of disrupting the status quo if there’s a better way of doing business, and you can’t help but be inspired by their journeys so far.
Despite inflationary pressures, sustainability remains a key driver when it comes to winning over custom and loyalty, and we look at ways in which international franchisors are employing greener products and strategies not only to meet corporate responsibilities in saving the planet but increasing sales and profit margins too. We also take a look at kitchen automation and dissect what the impact could be on the industry — could it be the answer to the labor pinch that many businesses are experiencing right now?
And, as all growing multinationals know, you can’t scale up without good people. Therefore, we’ve dedicated our leadership focus to the importance of developing company culture, as well as tangible ways you can ignite employee engagement.
