Better deal for Betta members: CEO reassures industry and members

By James Wells

BSR CEO Graham Cunningham has assured franchisees the Narta deal will result in more staff at head office, one order book for suppliers and no ‘double clipping’.

In an interview with Current.com.au at the Betta Stores national forum at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast this morning, Cunningham responded to concerns that there may be two sets of fees payable by his franchisees: one for Betta Stores and one for being a member of the Narta group.

“There will be no double clipping. Some of the members may not have a full understanding yet, but what I can confirm is there will only be improvements and positives for them, both from a buying perspective and from an administration perspective.

“Betta Stores will become more efficient from a planning perspective and an administration perspective. We will act as one Narta member, one order book for Narta, and therefore suppliers, which means we will become more efficient to do business with.”

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Cunningham confirmed that there will be an increase in headcount at the Betta Stores head office as a result of the move.

“We will be making adjustments to our structure which fits in with Narta. From a head office perspective, we will be making some structural changes to merchandising and marketing. There will actually be an increase in headcount as this move is all about growth,” he said.

“Betta Stores will become the home for the small to mid-size independent retailer in Australia. BSR has returned above the average return to shareholders as a dividend every year for the last four years as we have a lean operation at a national office level. Costs are being controlled and there is certainly a good future for Betta Stores.”

One major supplier told Current.com.au that this was welcome news for the industry, as it should make Betta more competitive and provide Narta with a strengthened regional presence.

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