Many franchise businesses say they're still being hounded by their landlords for rent from the lockdown period, while others are facing rent increases. The Franchise Association took a snap survey of its members, representing some 985 small business owners, and found 82 per cent said agreement on rents was unlikely without action from the government. The survey also found 20 per cent of franchisors had been warned to expect a rent hike. Government plans for help with arbitration costs hit a brick wall after New Zealand First pulled support for legislation. Joining Kathryn is the CEO of the Franchise Association, Robyn Pickerill, Stephen Mansfield, CEO of Quest Apartment Hotels and Brad Jacobs, director of The Coffee Club and Bird on a Wire chains.
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