Our People - Master Franchise

Pamela Paul Our People

Paul Vos

Brochure Management Master Franchise

Brochure Management is a growing network of independently owned franchises distributing tourism information to over 4,000 sites throughout Southern Africa. ‘We are the business of Tourism Marketing for Results’ and results we have seen over the past 16 years. Research proves that brochures are an essential part of the marketing mix, reaching tourists and locals alike looking for somewhere to stay, or something to do. Our display boards are where your customers are making their buying decision., whether it is from the top of Table Mountain through National parks and private game reserves to hotels, bed and breakfasts, car hires and in most of the prime high-traffic sites across the length and breadth of the country. Over the past 15 years Brochure Management has developed a nationwide network of over 5 000 brochure display sites, managed by 16 owner franchises throughout South Africa. We have also expertise in the designing and printing of brochures. A state of the art information system allows complete transparency on client distribution, details and facilitates the ability to tailor packages to suit individual clients and all budgets.

Targeted, Monitored and Cost-effective.
Tell us about the region/s you work in.

I run the Master Franchise for Brochure Management South Africa out of my home office in Parkview, Johannesburg. I am also responsible for looking after National Clients, those companies who have multiple operations and who want to use the BM service in multiple franchise regions. We are also Franchisees and own 3 (consolidated) regions in the Western Cape and 1 in Gauteng. These are ably managed by Alison Coughlan and Nicole du Randt.

Tell us something not many people know about you.

I really enjoy cooking. I’m not really gourmet, but I find cooking both rewarding and relaxing. I really enjoy baking, although I had to cut back due to my middle-aged spread!

Tell us about your business, and about the people who work for you (if applicable).

I work primarily on my own and many of the administrative functions of our business are outsourced. The Cape Town and Gauteng General Managers, Alison and Nicole, are my 2 direct reports.

When you think of your business, what is something that makes you PROUD?

I’m most proud of the fact that a US company, with regional offices in the UK, decided to invest in this business based on my recommendation. I’m also proud of the fact that we have made additional acquisitions in the market that were set to pay dividends just before CV19 kicked in.

Talk us through a normal day (pre-Covid-19) for you.

My days tend to “unfold” as the week progresses. I like to clear my inbox every evening and check tasks for the day daily when my wife & I get up to take my daughter to school around 06H00/30 during the week. Being the Master Franchise owner, a Franchisee and having 15 or so franchisees, no day is ever the same. Most of the time is spent problem solving, doing admin and strategizing.

How badly has Covid-19 affected you? Have you managed to access any relief funds? 

We have lost 100% of our revenue in April, May and June 2020. July looks like it could be the same. We have applied for TERS UIF relief and this has been largely successful with 9 out of 10 of our employees receiving some relief (we pay salaries and reclaim from TERS). We also received a loan from the South Africa Future Trust to help pay salaries. Unfortunately our resources are severely limited and we will be retrenching 90% of our staff at the end of June.

What’s the first place you’d like to visit when #coronalockdown is over?

The beach. I’m a KZN boy at heart and prefer the beach over the bush, and I miss the salty air and sand between my toes. I like the East Coast of SA (from Plett up Umhlanga) where the water is warmer and the waves are good for body surfing.

What measures have you put in place to protect your staff and clients once lockdown has eased?

We have followed the protocols recommended by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). These follow the risk-adjusted strategy being discussed with government around the reopening of the travel and tourism industries.

Any recommendations for activities/companies in your area that are now operating?

If you can hang on, do! There will be a lot of pent up demand when things open properly again. Target the very local market – people in your immediate neighbourhoods. Get them to experience your product and they will become your best advocates. Use this time to build you profiles on social media and elsewhere online. Above all, be empathetic towards colleagues, collaborate where you can and practice as much goodwill as you can afford.

Where can potential clients get hold of you?

paul@brochuremanagement.com or 0828805586. I’m also on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.