With over 860 offices and 40+ years of industry experience, Express Employment Professionals is a recruitment franchise that’s experiencing strong growth and helping people build successful businesses around the world. In Australia and New Zealand, day-to-day operations are handled by an experienced team of over 20 people who work with a local agency, Frontline Recruitment Group, that’s owned by Express. They support over 34 franchise locations and have helped Frontline achieve record growth over the past three years.
We spoke with Arthur McColl, CEO of Express Australia and New Zealand, to learn more about the company’s international expansion plans, the overall success of Express and Frontline, and the appeal of Express franchise ownership.
Tell us about Express’ international efforts
International expansion is a key priority for the brand. Express has a strong presence in North America, Canada and South Africa. Australia and New Zealand are a significant part of our international strategy, and we are committed to building a community of successful Franchise Owners that are helping great people find great jobs across both countries.
What makes Express such an attractive investment opportunity?
As the industry’s global leader, Express has the systems, brand, training and support to help you build a successful, sustainable recruitment franchise business. For example, the biggest challenge when you start a labour hire business is managing cash flow. You need to be able to generate enough cash to meet payroll obligations while you are waiting for your client invoices to be paid. Express supports our Franchise Owners by funding that payroll, so you know that you will always have the cash you need to meet your obligations.
Who is your ideal ownership candidate?
The ideal Franchise Owner has excellent communication skills, loves people and builds a rapport easily. They have sales experience, a strong work ethic and a growth mindset. They are willing to do sales activity and commit to working in their business full time. They also have a strong desire to develop their professional and leadership skills.
What makes the recruitment industry so attractive in Australia and New Zealand?
The industry is growing strong in both countries. In 2022, Australia’s staffing industry revenue was $41.6 billion AUD and New Zealand’s was $4.8 billion NZD. The border closings that happened during COVID led to a significant candidate shortage, and there’s been a high demand for recruitment services over the last three years. Both Australia and New Zealand are experiencing record low unemployment, a trend that is expected to continue for some time.
What is the Recruit to Own program?
The Express Recruit to Own (RTO) program is a unique solution for people who have the talent and drive to build a strong business but need the security of a salary and the backing of an experienced team. It’s based on a model that was developed in the U.S. and has delivered some of Express’ highest-performing Franchise Owners.
The program is currently being offered to a limited number of individuals in Sydney that are high performing sales or recruitment professionals with a burning desire to run their own business. Participants join a 12-month program that pays them a competitive wage while they receive leadership training and experience, with the goal of owning their own Express franchise.
Why is this the best time to participate in the RTO program?
The Express brand is growing across Sydney. Recruit to Own participants will be able to take advantage of that by selecting their ideal Express territory when they finish the program.
Can you elaborate on the success of the Frontline brand?
Frontline has experienced record growth over the past three years and had record revenue in 2022-23. We’ve also been recognized as a leading franchise model and received top marks from those that know the industry:
- Received a 5-star rating from the leading global authority on franchise systems, FRANdata.
- Named the #2 franchise model in Australia for two years in a row by independent research firm 10 Thousand Feet in their annual survey of franchise satisfaction in Australia.
Any new initiatives for Frontline?
Yes. Our model offers franchises in a specific industry in a specific location across hospitality, health, education and construction. We’re currently expanding into new industries, which means more opportunities for individuals who want to build a successful recruitment franchise business. We just opened our first agency specializing in manufacturing and are also offering franchises that specialise in IT/digital, finance and legal. There’s a choice of premium territories available now for anyone that wants to get in on extending the Frontline brand.
How can I get started?
There’s never been a better time to join the Express/Frontline franchise family in ANZ. If you’re highly motivated to build your own business and enjoy working with people, we want to hear from you. Financially, you should have a net worth of at least $170K and liquid assets of at least $190K. Fill out the form below to get started now.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities with the Express Recruit to Own program in Sydney, please contact Colin Ongley, ANZ General Manager, at colin.ongley@expresspros.com.au to apply today.
