Online food company Deliveroo has launched new features and services to make it easier for Deliveroo Business customers to order food for events and to hotels.

Good governance is crucial to the franchising sector, says former premier, Hon Jeff Kennett AC, at the keynote session at the National Franchise Convention in Melbourne.

Now is the time for the franchising sector to face up to its responsibilities, take action over substantial concerns, and self-regulate.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has struck out at the franchising sector, calling for a strengthened Franchising Code of Conduct, including increasing penalties and encouraging more meaningful disclosure of information, to protect franchisees.

The nation’s ageing population combined with the rising cost of hospital care has brought the reality of living with dementia into the spotlight.

The health-conscious craze has certainly hit Australia hard, with the fitness and health franchise industry undergoing considerable structural change over the last five years.

Sales and recruitment just didn’t cut it for Daniel McDouall. He started his fast food career with McDonalds while at high school before trying his hand at more corporate roles. But this Millennial knew when faced with a crossroads in his life that business ownership, and franchising, was his future.

The role franchisees play within big retail networks has come under review following reports Harvey Norman shareholders forked out nearly $8m in “tactical support” last year for a struggling franchisee.

Australian retailers are starting to adopt an instantaneous e-commerce model, delivering products within one or two days – or sometimes a matter of hours – as consumers increasingly like to get their online purchases right away.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is confident his government can pass laws next week to bring forward tax cuts for small and medium-sized businesses by five years at a cost of about $3 billion.

PICA Group, the nation’s largest strata manager has bolstered its portfolio this week, acquiring franchise business Ace Body Corporate.

Consumer sentiment has seemingly stabilised following a two-month fall caused by a Liberal party leadership spill, mortgage rate increases, declining house prices and rising petrol prices weighing on the Australian public.