Move to promote SMEs across Oman
MUSCAT -- Oman Flour Mills Co (OFM) has signed a contract with an international consultancy group to develop a franchise model for about 70 outlets and cafes scheduled to be established all across the Sultanate.
The proposed outlets will sell fresh snacks, bakeries and a collection of beverages, in a step that will help in promoting entrepreneurship in the wilayats of the Sultanate, in addition to supporting employment prospects for Omanis. These shops and outlets will offer a unique selection of freshly prepared products and beverages based on the Omani heritage. The move stems from OFM's corporate social responsibility and is in line with the government's efforts to support the establishment of Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate.
Khalifa al Mashaikhi, Business Development Manager at Atyab Investment Company, the investment arm of OFM said: "The franchise scheme is expected to create and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit among young Omanis and provide a sense of ownership and pride that will bolster economic growth." "OFM ensures directing a strong focus for the significant quality, the standards of high quality foods, balanced nutrition and low calories. These standards shall be provided for our new franchise system," he added. The franchise scheme is currently in its implementation phase, with the first outlet due to be opened at the start of 2014. Applicants seeking a franchise licence should be high school graduates. Atyab will work closely with successful licensees in obtaining funding support from financial institutions in the form of soft loans towards establishing the outlets and cafes.
Moreover, the company will provide comprehensive training in the management of outlets with the aim of making the franchise model a main component for the social responsibility initiative of OFM. Furthermore, the franchise scheme shall ensure the continuous supply of products; whereas the centralised ordering and product tracking system shall help in achieving a smooth inventory management, it said in a press statement. The outlets that cover the urban and rural areas shall range from kiosks at airports, hospitals and universities to large-scale outlets in the form of cafes that provide a comfortable ambience for customers and high quality customer services. "OFM is driving this project forward. It shall actively take part in the community development and support initiative within the framework of social responsibility programmes at the company. This initiative follows on from OFM's successful backing for the school meals programme. Through this programme, the company managed to meet the nutritional needs of school students, thereby helping them inculcate healthy eating habits at an early age," it added.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
