Reciprocal trading network BBX has recorded a 20 per cent growth in the number of transactions between members as a result of the economic downturn.

This growth has opened up opportunities for new franchisees in regions with strong membership, like Canberra which has 70 members in the region.

According to James Brennan, who owns and operates the Liverpool and Western Sydney franchises, Canberra is an ideal BBX market.  

“Firstly there’s already an existing member base but it’s also a diverse business community with lots of potential for a strong trading network,” said Brennan.  

“Becoming a BBX franchisee was a good move. I’m able to provide a financially stable lifestyle for my family and that’s really important to me. Using BBX we’ve been able to renovate the family home using BBX tradespeople,” added Brennan.  

BBX is a membership-based trading network where members earn and spend BBX dollars, a trading unit which has an equivalent value to Australian currency. The exchange acts as a third party record keeper, similar to a bank, and provides a sophisticated market where thousands of transactions take place on a cashless basis.   

The business has a number of franchisee opportunities in markets with strong membership bases, including Wollongong and Wagga Wagga. On average, each franchise has 150 members and turns over approximately $500,000 in trade each month.