Franchisee Focus: F&B

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Astreem Consutling, Business Opportunities, franchise business opportunity, Franchise Recruitment, franchising guide, Singapore business opportunities, Singapore franchise opportunities

Great food brings great profits to F&B businesses. But is that really enough? Did you know that an excess inventory of just two days can increase costs by over 3%.

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At the Business Opportunities Showcase Singapore (B.O.S.S.), a seminar hosted by Astreem Consulting, this and many other interesting insights were revealed. B.O.S.S. was aimed at enlightening entrepreneurs about the franchise market both within Singapore and on a global footing. The event was conducted at YMCA International House on April, 24^th, 2012.

The entire concept of the seminar revolved around adopting a proven operation system of a brand that translates into a profitable and successful venture into the F&B market.

“A food business is not a food business. It is an experience based business”, proposed Abhishek Date, Senior Consultant at Astreem Consulting, opening the seminar. He further went down to explain how the right inventory control, the perfect recipe and the choicest of ingredients contribute to triumph for a brand. More importantly, the significance and potential of investing in franchising businesses was highlighted in this seminar.

Franchisees from all over South East Asia including Singapore, India, Malaysia and the Philippines were introduced to a range of F&B brands. Astreem Consulting showcased restaurants like Com Tam Moc and Empire State, tea shops and cafés like Artease and Joe and Dough along with dessert franchise options like Geláre, Twelve Cupcakes, Marble Slab and Dessert Story. Starting with a background of the inception of the company, its key market and the unique features that the brands propose, the franchisees were provided with basic information needed to franchise each brand. The attendees were thoroughly engaged in this perceptive investment opportunity.

The seminar successfully concluded with the attendees interacting with consultants from Astreem to gain further know-how about franchising.  Some people willingly demonstrated their interest by filling in Franchisee Application Forms on the spot. The venue was certainly filled with a buzz and enthusiasm with the prospect of a new franchising venture in the minds of all present.

Astreem Consulting will continue to being committed towards franchising by conducting more seminars with passion, dedication and innovation. Such events are bound to help both franchisors and franchisees to facilitate franchise development, business matching and branding.

To find out more about this exciting Franchise Business Opportunity, contact Abhishek @ 6479 9233 or abhishek@astreem.com

Kids can bake, so can you!

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Astreem Consulting, Business Opportunities, education, franchise business opportunity, franchise marketing, Genius R Us

Bring out and develop the genius in children

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It’s really amazing what kids can create! With the right tools in hand, kids can amaze you with their imagination and ingenuity.

At Genius R Us, they help to unleash the genius in kids. By giving kids as young as 4 years old the opportunity to work in the kitchen, kids learn about independence and undergo self-discovery through fun activities and achieve a sense of accomplishment through their creations.

10 participants headed down to City Square on 19 April 2012 for Genius R Us’ Franchise Opportunity Showcase. Expecting a dossier citing the benefits of the Genius R Us’ franchise, they were however greeted with aprons and baking tools. Participants were given a taste of the Kidz Can Bake! ^TM workshop and experienced firsthand how Genius R Us’ unique programmes can promote creative learning and self-discovery.

The session kicked off with Genius R Us’ friendly instructors introducing the recipe for the day: Vanilla Cupcakes. After a brief introduction to the various ingredients and equipment used, participants got down to work.

Genius R Us’ baking workshops are designed to be fuss-free and simple with none of the mess usually associated with baking and working in the kitchen. Working with simple to use equipment, there was little trouble in weighing and mixing the necessary ingredients and popping them into the oven. Less mess, more fun!

The unique hands-on session concluded with an opportunity for the participants to decorate their own cupcakes with coloured icing and whip cream and transform them into their own personalized pieces of art.

The session was well-received and participants were enthusiastic of Genius R Us’ concept of providing a unique learning experience for children with 3 of the participants immediately expressing concrete interest in pursuing this exciting concept even further that evening.

Genius R Us believes that there is a genius waiting to be nurtured and unleashed in every child. Genius R Us is seeking like-minded entrepreneurs with a passion for working with kids to benefit more kids with their creative workshops.

To find out more about this exciting Franchise Business Opportunity, contact Abhishek @ 6479 9233 or abhishek@astreem.com

Arteastiq signs its first Singapore Franchise

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Arteastiq Art Jam, Arteastiq Franchise Singpaore, Astreem Consulting, franchise business opportunity, franchise development, franchise marketing, Franchisees, Investment, Signing of Franchise Agreement

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Slated to open in July, Arteastiq is now opening its first franchised outlet at Millenia Walk Singapore.

Arteastiq was conceptualised around the concept of ‘the art of teasing’ or the ‘art of tea that makes you tick’. Arteastiq embodies the essence of luxurious living with its modern lounge and designer furniture by Marxx. One of a kind and never before in Asia, Arteastiq offers a unique tea experience; a sanctuary for city dwellers to retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

With a fascinating range of special, alcoholic, dessert and fruit tea sets and an assortment of “teasers” (savouries) and desserts (premium gelato, cakes and scones) to go along in a luxurious and relaxing setting, Arteastiq has won the hearts of all that have tried this innovative concept. Shoppers can rest their feet after shopping and have a sip of fruit tea infused with alcohol, enjoying the ambience of contemporary Europe tucked in a cosy corner. Each and every recipe has undergone stringent research and development to perfect the tastes and the tea blends. Each pot of tea is brewed separately on the spot, with the freshest ingredients, to assure quality.

Their signature teas are best enjoyed with Arteastiq’s range of savoury tapas or home-made gelato, all of which are the creation of Arteastiq’s culinary team.

At this new location, Arteastiq will reinforce the concept of the ART OF TEA with its focus on Art Jam as well as an Art Gallery that adds even more dimension to the overall Arteastiq Experience.

Same but Different is the ambience and theme of this Arteastiq outlet in Milllenia. Whilst offering the same infusion of Art and tea, this new outlet promises to offer a refreshing menu in a totally different environment.

Internationally, Arteastiq has also franchise garnered interest from the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia and even from countries as far off as Europe.

“It is a wonderful concept and certainly has international appeal. We look forward to bringing Arteastiq to the world with Ivan”, says Hsien Naidu, Director of Astreem Consulting, the Franchise marketing partner of Arteastiq.

Look out for this new outlet and be

prepared to be surprised!

Life is not plain arse with Artease!

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Artease Bubble Tea, Artease Cafe, Artease Discovery Day, Franchise Artease, franchise business opportunity, Franchising Artease, promising brand

Artease believes that Life without tea, is just plain arse.

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Artease believes that Life without tea, is just plain arse.

Mixing creative art with funky teas and insisting only on the best ingredients for the most delicious flavours, Artease has been a hit since its opening in 2011. Opening 3 outlets in its 1^st year of operations, Artease have expanded their offerings to more than just bubble tea and have introduced snacks like macaroons and puddings to complement their wide selection of teas.

Ever the ambitious entrepreneurs, Chin Leng and his team are not resting on their laurels. Having witnessed Artease’s meteoric rise in popularity among customers, they have strong faith in the Artease brand. Believing in Artease’s quality products and premium branding, they are seeking to grow bigger and go further and reach out to even more people.

Enter Astreem Consulting as the preferred partner for success. Having the same strong faith in the Artease brand, Astreem has organized the Discovery Day to invite aspiring business owners to share in the success of Artease.

The turnout was overwhelming with 25 participants eager to hear about the success of Artease and how they can too be a part of it. With strong branding and high customer loyalty, Artease offers an attractive Franchise Business Model that can break even within a year.

With a ready team dedicated to helping grow the Artease brand, franchisees will be offered strong franchisor support through expertise in inventory and cost management.

Undoubtly, Artease is a promising brand with huge growth potential. With big plans to grow, Artease is also partnering with Cagliari one of the most prestigious Italian Coffee brands to widen their product offerings and to bring premium coffee to Singapore. Artease is seeking like-minded entrepreneurs who are passionate to grow the brand further through franchising.

To find out more about this exciting Franchise Business Opportunity, contact Flora @ 6749 9233 or flora@astreem.com

Workshop conducted first time in Singapore educating the franchise community about franchise systems in USA

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Business Tools, Franchise case study, franchise community, franchise development, Franchise Education, franchise marketing, Franchise Recruitment, Franchise Tools, International Franchise Tools, simulation exercise

Successful Franchise Development Workshop was conducted at SMU by Mr. Harish Babla from Franchise Mind Corporation. Organized by Astreem Consulting and supported by FLA Singapore, the seminar was conducted with one aim in mind: to bring quality education to the Singapore franchise community. The workshop was conducted over 2 days on 1^st and 2^nd of March 2012.

Astreem with the support of FLA Singapore organized this exclusive and intimate event to give the Singapore franchise community the right business tools and market knowledge. Astreem invited speaker Mr. Harish Babla to share with the community the systems and the best practices of franchising followed in United States, the most mature market for Franchising.

The seminar kicked off Day One with the introduction of Franchise Mind Corporation’s Franchise Development Tool Box ^TM, a set of tools essential for every business owner to develop a successful franchise business.  The participants were introduced to a new framework for a franchise development system that encapsulated the best practices in franchising from the United States. Through the engaging and witty Harish Babla, participants gained new insights to the importance of the organization’s commitment to the franchising business and the lead generation process to a successful franchise development system.

Day Two resumed with a focus on the recruitment process, the final tool in the Franchise Development Tool Box ^TM to a successful franchise development system. The interactivity of the seminar allowed each participant to share their challenges faced and gain valuable insights from Mr. Harish Babla’s personal experiences as a top franchise leader in the United States.

The seminar concluded with participants taking part in a simulation exercise to design a franchise development system for two companies. Fusing their own business experiences with what they have learnt, participants competed in two teams to design the most effective franchise development system for their chosen company. Astreem Consulting’s Founder and Director, Mrs. Hsien Naidu, was the honorary judge for this competition, giving her valuable insights from her experience in the franchising industry.

It was a very insightful seminar where the participants learnt through an interactive and innovative method. One of the participants also mentioned that such seminar should be organized more frequently to help the business community in Singapore gain more insights about systems followed in mature franchise markets.

Astreem Consulting is committed to helping Singapore’s business community gain the right tools to grow and is looking to bring in more of such quality education events to help the business community in Singapore keep abreast of new developments and best franchising practices of well established markets.

Vietnam Market Entry Seminar 24 Feb 2012

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Business Opportunities, Franchise Management, Franchise Seminar, Franchise Workshops, Franchisees, Franchising, Investment, Legal Procedure in Vietnam, Singapore Franchising, Vietnam Education Laws, Vietnam Franchising, Vietnam Laws, Vietnam Retail Laws, Workshops

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Astreem Consulting with the support of IE Singapore and FLA Singapore successfully conducted Vietnam Market Entry Seminar on 24 Feb 2012, at IE Singapore’s Little Red Dot Seminar Room.  The seminar aimed to give Singapore entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in the retail and education sectors, a deeper understanding of the growth potential and challenges faced while entering the Vietnamese market. The seminar was conducted by Mr. Abhishek Date, Sr. Consultant at Astreem Consulting, Mr. Seth Yap, Sr. Consultant at Astreem Consulting, and Ms. Truong Bich Hue, Managing Partner at Tan Ha Law Firm.

The seminar began with Astreem Consulting’s analysis of the Vietnamese market. Participants were left impressed not only by Vietnam’s huge growth potential but also Astreem’s frank assessment of the various challenges that business owners would face when entering the vibrant Vietnamese market. Astreem’s invited speaker, Ms. Hue then gave participants an introduction to the Vietnam’s legal system. With her years of experience in legal practice and consulting multinational companies in Vietnamese business law, Ms. Hue  unraveled the intricacies of Vietnamese legal procedures and provided insights as to how to successfully manoeuvre through the Vietnamese legal system to set up a retail and education business .Astreem Consulting also shared their personal business experiences in Vietnam and the challenges Astreem faced while setting up their own office, providing insights about the cultural aspects of doing business in Vietnam.

The seminar concluded with a lively discussion over light refreshment where the speakers mingled freely with the participants, answering questions from business owners looking for their 1^st overseas expansion market in Vietnam and clarifying doubts from other participants who are already in the process of setting up a business establishment in Vietnam. The interactive seminar ensured that all participants left with a better understanding of the rewards and challenges in investing in this vibrant economy.

Astreem Consulting is committed to sharing with the Singapore’s business community the necessary market insights about Asia’s growing economies and will be looking to bring more of such events in 2012 to aid the business community in selecting the right investment.

 

Astreem Consulting: Committed to Franchising

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Business Opportunities, Franchise Management, Franchise Seminar, Franchise Workshops, Franchisees, Franchising, Investment, Singapore Franchising, Workshops

As the New Year starts, we at Astreem look back at 2011 as a year of knowledge sharing, experience sharing and networking.  In 2011, we conducted numerous events to help the business community in Asia.

We have helped entrepreneurs find the right businesses in Singapore through our Business Opportunity Showcase Seminar, Singapore Edition (B.O.S.S.).  Through B.O.S.S. we consult to investors on areas such as understanding franchising, selecting the right business opportunities, and industry analysis.  At our B.O.S.S. events, our consultants advise potential franchisees the key reasons to consider before starting a franchise business.  We conduct the B.O.S.S seminar once every quarter.

Astreem Consulting is committed to help the business community in Asia by providing business owners and franchisors the right tools to grow in the market as well as advising the franchisees or investors to select the right investment

Apart from helping franchisees, we have also helped franchisors market their brands throughout Asia. We attended major franchise exhibitions in Shanghai, Jakarta, Singapore, Philippines, and Sydney.  At these events we networked with investors and brand owners throughout the major markets in Asia.  This is one of our channels to expose Singapore brands to the Asian Market.

Astreem conducted knowledge sharing sessions with brand owners and established companies in Singapore. We conducted these workshops with support from IE Singapore on franchising. These workshops are extremely useful for franchisors and brand owners who are looking to grow their businesses. We have also provided the entrepreneurs with the necessary market intelligence through our market research and analysis seminars.   We have conducted these seminars on a regular basis with one seminar every three months.

Throughout 2011, Astreem has equipped the business community with the necessary tools be it either the franchisees and the investors wanting a better investment channel or the franchisors and the brand owners wanting to grow their businesses. In 2012 Astreem is committed to continue these events to help the business community. You can contact to know more about our services in 2012 at enquiries@astreem.com or call +65 6749 9233.

Don Your Personal Pie Club Vivo franchise outlet achieved overwhelming success!

Tags

: F&B business, Don Lim, Don Pie Vivo City outlet, Don Your Personal Pie Club, Don’s Pie franchise outlet, Edmund Lee, Food & Beverage, Franchise case study, Franchise news, Franchise success stories, Franchisor, Singapore Pie Franchise

You have to have the right mentality when becoming your own boss. It is importantly to be prepared mentally in this sense, and also financially as well. Franchising is a very hands on business and if you are willing to work hard to grow your business, you may very well get the results you are looking for.

After years in the corporate world, Mr Edmund Lee decided that it was time to step out and start something of his own. As he considered his options, he realized that starting out fresh in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry could be quite a challenge, especially for someone with no F&B background. As such, he turned to franchising as a way of starting his own F&B business, and with the assistance of Astreem Consulting, Mr Lee successfully started his own Don Your Personal Pie Club takeaway outlet in Vivocity in May 2011.

Rather than striking it out to start a brand new business concept, Mr Lee leveraged on the expertise of the Franchisor, Mr Don Lim to get his business moving. “Don helped me understand the dynamics of starting a F&B outlet, and to assess the feasibility of the business model and the location,” explains Mr Lee, “He also helped me in many other matters, including sourcing of equipment, training of my staff and planning the inventory.”

Today, Edmund’s shop has been in operation for only 6 months and the business has already been highly successful, both in terms of traffic and profitability. Edmund explains, “Initially, we faced some challenges in terms of hiring staff, operations and ordering. However we worked closely with the Franchisor to iron out issues in scheduling and deliveries and other operational matters. Today, our wastages are minimal and business is running smoothly”, elaborates Mr Lee on his experience thus far.

Today, less than a year from stepping out into the world of entrepreneurship, Mr Lee is looking to open up his second Don’s Pie franchise outlet. His advice for people looking to start their own franchise business? “You have to have the right mentality when becoming your own boss. It is importantly to be prepared mentally in this sense, and also financially as well. Franchising is a very hands on business and if you are willing to work hard to grow your business, you may very well get the results you are looking for.”He also added that it is important to make sure the efficiency level is maintained by adhering closely to the equipment standards required by the franchisors.

Don Your Personal Pie Club is seeking franchisees to grow its business in Singapore and Internationally. Interested parties should contact enquiries@astreem.com or call +65 6749 9233.

Franchisor Case Study: Discovering Huggs

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Astreem Consulting, Astreem Franchise Discovery Day, Franchise case study, Huggs, Huggs Coffee, Huggs Coffee franchise, Huggs Franchise, Huggs Franchise Opportunity, Singapore cafe franchise

 “I want to open a café someday, creating a place where people can enjoy small talks and a warm cup of drink.”

“Hmm, not bad an idea to start a small café. Stable business… Not huge profits but decent revenue .”

“Owning a cafe maybe a good addition to my retirement plan.”

“But I have my work commitment, I can’t leave my job yet!”

“But I have been working day and night for the last 20years.. Will a café business be another nightmare for me? Am I going to be stuck in just another job which, even worse, now I’m stuck with it for 24-7?”

“But I have no experience in this industry, am I too old to start?”

“Am I too young to start?”

“Am I?”

On 19 Oct 2011, some 20 over people turned up at the Huggs Discovery Day to find an answer to these growing questions.

Huggs Coffee, founded by a Singaporean whose desire is to own a successful café business that his friends and family can be proud of – A business that he can have control over, and can still plan for his next holiday without having to worry who will take care of it while he is away; a business that can give him room to experiment how to create better food for people who appreciate the better things in life, yet wish to still enjoy quality food at an affordable price.

Ronnie’s hard work and dedication has brought him great rewards. Since the opening of the first café 4 years ago, Huggs has grown to four outlets, and is on its way to opening two more outlets soon.

However Ronnie, being an ambitious entrepreneur, is not satisfied with where Huggs is. Ronnie knows that Huggs can grow bigger, go further, and be embraced by more people. He wants to see Huggs grow, and wants to help like minded entrepreneurs to grow as well.

Thus, Astreem collaborated with Ronnie to hold Huggs Discovery Day, an event catered to aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to have their questions answered.

It is no surprise the turnout was overwhelming. Huggs offered a Franchise Business model that is flexible and suitable for investors of various investments appetites. Whether you have less than $100,000, or more than $150,000 to invest, Huggs has a business model for you.

Moreover, unlike some franchise businesses, Huggs is perfectly comfortable with franchisees who want to operate this business part-time, or keep it a 5-day week. Ronnie, the owner, understands you want to have a business and still own your life too.

What’s even more interesting is Huggs’ business concept. Huggs is unlike the typical café that you see down the street. Its sustainable business model is also attributed to an additional revenue stream: catering services to companies or corporation. In fact, Huggs has been a regular caterer to some of the very reputable Banks in town!

Without a doubt, Huggs is a promising brand with plenty of passion and growth opportunities. The café is currently looking for like minded entrepreneurs to grow their business further through franchising.

To find out about this exciting Franchise Business Opportunity, please contact Ya Ting @ +65 6749 9233 or enquiries@astreem.com

Is India a good market for franchising?

Tags

india franchise, india franchise articles, india franchise market, india franchising

India has seen a phenomenal growth in the last 5 years, even during the financial crisis. The backbone of this success has been a strong demand in the Indian domestic market, which majorly constitutes demand for consumer goods, educational services, food & beverage, apparel retail and other services. Analysts forecast that in the coming 5 years, India is going to achieve a growth rate of around 7 to 8%

Various Singapore companies have realized the opportunity in the Indian market. One of Singapore’s top education brands Etonhouse International Education Group has set up preschools throughout India. These schools are set up by Etonhouse under the brand names of VIVERO International and SERRA international in multiple cities of India.

Figure 1: Top Consumer Markets in India

Through its brand SERRA International, Etonhouse has entered cities in India that are not considered by many international brands as their markets of preference. SERRA International has a market presence in cities like Ahmedabad, Gandhidham, Indore, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar. For many international brands the tier 1 cities are considered as the most lucrative markets and they do not tap into the tier 2 and tier 3 cities. But foraying into the tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India, Etonhouse has shown that there is a huge demand in these cities as well.

Breadtalk Group has also not taken the Indian Market lightly and signed a master franchise agreement with Crustum Products Pvt Ltd., a Hyderabad based company. Breadtalk has targeted to open 40 outlets in India with the help of the Master franchisee. Breadtalk quickly recognized the potential of the market size in India and moved via franchising to establish itself in India. Another Singapore success story, Komala’s Restaurant entered India setting up a flagship outlet in Mumbai. With plans to start at least 9 restaurants in India, Komala’s seems to have paved its way into India.

India as a market is a huge potential. But being geographically huge, controlling such a big market would be an operational nightmare for companies. Along with geographical vastness, India has cultural diversity as well. Each state boasts its own language, cuisine and customs. This makes Indian market extremely difficult to understand.  The map in figure 1 highlights the most populous cities in India. These cities are not only huge consumer markets but also have shown in the last 10 years a stable middle income class.

The map in figure 1 shows the biggest consumer markets in India. Leading the pack is the financial capital of India, Mumbai and following is the political capital of India, Delhi. Most international companies set up their flagship outlets in these two cities. These cities have the highest visibility in the country, and are also considered finance and governance hubs in the region.

Franchising in India is centred on these cities. An in-depth research done by Astreem Consulting in the Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru cities shows the results as presented in figure 2. In the major cities in India, Food and Beverage is the most popular form of franchising followed by clothing /apparel franchising. Education preschool and enrichment sectors,  are also quite big in India. Health and Wellness franchise opportunities are also picking up in India with more people opting for a healthier lifestyle.

Figure 2: Franchises in India

India is a different franchise market as compared to Singapore or other international markets. Indian apparel and food are closely associated with its culture. It is quintessential for companies to understand this and incorporate the culture in their products. But with many success stories of Singaporean brands in India, India is surely one of the top destinations for overseas expansion. But the Indian market and the Indian consumer has to be taken cautiously. Singapore has enjoyed a robust systems with corruption free government support and greater transparency in the market. India, on the other hand, has its own systems, with limited transparency in the market. It is advisable to seek consultants’ advice before venturing into India either to conduct a market research or to find the right partners.

Astreem Consulting has expertise in conducting in-depth market research as well as developing franchise systems for companies expanding in Asia. Read more about Astreem services at www.astreem.com