This year be proved to be fruitful for many industries with growth across the market. However, one industry that wasn't as successful was franchise businesses. Nick Powills, Editor in Chief of 1851franchise.com, joins Cheddar to break down 2017 and look ahead to see what is in store for franchises in 2018.
Powills explains that when the markets are doing well fewer people tend to get into franchises. This is because there is job and market stability and fewer individuals looking for alternative jobs and revenue.
For franchises, the health and wellness businesses did well this year as well as education. For next year, Powills expects the markets to continue to rise. This means franchisees need to focus on their core businesses and traffic. Powills does not anticipate a boom in individual branch growth.
Crab fishermen in Alaska have been scrambling to stay afloat after two years of the Bering Sea fishery being closed or severely curtailed due to plummeting crab numbers. And they're concerned that more of the same awaits this October when officials decide on catch limits for the upcoming season.
Most major car brands admit they may be selling your personal data — though they are vague on the buyers, and half say they would share it with the government or law enforcement without a court order.
Tourism-related businesses have always been at the mercy of the weather. But with heat waves, fires and storms becoming more frequent and intense, small businesses increasingly see extreme weather as their next long-term challenge.
Student loan interest payments have restarted and many questions have arisen about them. Jade Warshaw, a financial expert with Ramsey Solutions, joined Cheddar News to explain what borrowers should know and what to look out for.