Interesting Stuff
Raymond & Julie: A Fresh Start, a Strong Store, and a Legacy Ready for the Next Owner
In business, timing is rarely perfect. Opportunity often appears when conditions are tough, energy is stretched, and playing it safe feels sensible. For Raymond and Julie, that moment came during a recession, when an opening emerged to take over Flooring Design Kāpiti. With experience in the flooring industry and a willingness to back themselves, they chose action over hesitation. What followed was not just business ownership, but a long-term journey shaped by resilience, strong systems, and people who believed in their potential. Their story is a grounded example of how the right support, mindset, and commitment can turn a challenging start into lasting success.
Big Business, Kiwi Scale: Franchising Leads the Way in New Zealand
Franchising plays a powerful and uniquely Kiwi role in New Zealand’s economy. Far from being a niche, it’s one of the country’s strongest business engines, blending the scale of national brands with the grassroots spirit of local ownership. The 2024 Franchising New Zealand survey highlights just how significant the sector has become: more than 29,000 franchise units operate nationwide, employing over 114,000 people and generating upwards of $47 billion in annual turnover from business format franchising alone. For a nation of just over five million, this level of commercial activity is remarkable and it’s why New Zealand is considered the most franchised country per capita in the world. Yet behind these impressive numbers lies a distinctly small-business feel, with many systems built around local owner-operators rather than corporate giants. It’s a model that blends opportunity, accessibility and community connection, and continues to shape the way New Zealanders work, shop and build businesses.
Flooring Design: Building Strong Foundations for Customers and Franchisees
Flooring Design is celebrating strong recognition at the recent 30th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards, highlighting both the strength of its franchise system and the calibre of its people. As a trusted national brand with over 20 locally owned stores, Flooring Design was named a finalist for Retail & Hospitality Franchise System of the Year, standing alongside some of New Zealand’s most recognised retail names. At franchisee level, Dave and Marcia Bragg (Whakatāne) were finalists for Retail & Hospitality Franchisee of the Year, while Amber and Malcolm Carr (Tauranga) were finalists in the Excellence in Customer Service – Franchisee category, reinforcing the network’s reputation for outstanding customer care. Together, these achievements underline a franchise built on solid systems, collaborative culture and long-term opportunity for owners.
Why Kiwi Franchises Outperform Global Brands in New Zealand
You’d expect global giants to rule New Zealand’s franchise landscape but the opposite is true. A remarkable 73% of franchises operating here were born here, built here, and shaped by Kiwi culture. What’s their secret? Dive into the surprising advantages that give local brands an edge over international heavyweights. Click HERE to read the full story.
Franchisee Training: The Key to Flooring Design’s Success
At Flooring Design, franchisee success starts well before a store opens. Through comprehensive training, hands-on learning, and ongoing support, new franchisees gain the skills, confidence, and operational know-how to thrive. From initial onboarding to continual development, Flooring Design equips its partners for sustainable growth and long-term business success.
Iridium Partners Welcomes Flooring Design to Our Portfolio
Flooring Design offers more than stunning floors—it’s a proven business model with nationwide demand. As a franchisee, you’ll step into a trusted brand, strong supplier relationships, and expert systems that set you up for success. Join a network where design passion meets business opportunity, and grow your own thriving future.
From Lockdown to Leading Store: Dave & Marcia’s Flooring Design Journey
Opening a business is always a risk — but launching just two days before New Zealand’s first Covid-19 lockdown takes real courage. For Dave and Marcia Bragg, owners of Flooring Design Whakatane, that bold move has paid off in remarkable style. In just three years, their store has grown into one of the top performers in the network, achieving multi-million-dollar turnover. Their success is fuelled by industry expertise, a strong franchise model, and deep community connections. From residential homes to large commercial projects, the Braggs have built a trusted local brand — and proven that the right opportunity can thrive in any climate.