By Matthew Henry

PORT FAIRY: A small electrical store located at Port Fairy on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, has become the latest Betta Stores Limited (BSL) member to join Queensland-based Narta member, Bi-Rite Electrical.

The store has ceased trading as a BSL member, and will now trade as Port Fairy HomElectrix as a franchisee in the Bi-Rite group.

Current.com.au spoke to Port Fairy Betta Electrical proprietors, Ken and June Brookes, who confirmed the move but would not comment further.

The Port Fairy store joins several former BSL members in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland who have joined the Bi-Rite Electrical group in recent months.

Bi-Rite Electrical is owned by Abdul Sacur, who operates a franchise business with central accounting, offering retailers the choice of two brands – Bi-Rite Electrical and HomElectrix.

Following the recent growth in its membership, Bi-Rite Electrical has become the fastest growing retail group in the country and may acquire up to 20 new stores in 2006.

The business has grown to over 30 stores this year, up from 20 at the end of 2005.