World Options is a global brand with a local reach that harnesses the best of each end of the business spectrum: large scale resources and opportunities, and the personal touch and understanding that comes from a local business.

It’s a combination that appeals to customers, and it’s an ideal scenario for a prospective franchisee.

In the crowded logistics arena that mix really delivers, says Andrew Stewart, director of World Options Australia.

“There are only a few companies like us,” Andrew explains. 

World Options is a logistics solution business that acts as the go-between for shipping carriers and customers.

The value-added reseller business finds the best solution for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), who typically get lost among heavy-volume customers the carriers deal with directly.

“We target SMEs as they don’t get much time with the carriers, they are too small. They miss the face-to-face contact – that’s our USP.  With our franchisees we try and treat small customers like big customers, providing face-to-face account management. 

“We provide great rate proposals, integrated customer service and a team of people supporting franchisees.”

World Options has international experience

And as part of a global business World Options Australia can tap into wide-reaching resources.

The World Options brand started in the UK in 2003; it was launched in Australia 14 years later.

“Having that organisation behind us is a great advantage,” says Andrew. “There are now over 100 franchises in the UK – it proves the business model works, and works well. In the UK and Australia we have some exceptional high-performers.”

It isn’t just proof in the system that helps the brand stand out, he adds, it’s the brand itself.

“There’s a level of trust gained by being part of a global business, and that’s a big drawcard for prospective business-owners. It adds an enormous amount of credibility in a crowded space.”

There is a huge advantage on the technical front too, with World Options’ proprietary software built by the UK team. 

“That’s one of the great differences for our business. The software is purpose built and it’s pretty flexible.”

The portal software handles the bulk of carrier transactions for World Options’ customers.

“A key part of its functionality is integration with shopping carts. We’ve adapted the UK architecture to add local brands,” explains Andrew. 

“We’ve got a number of companies who have integrated shopping carts with our carriers, and we can see an increase in the business-to-consumer segment. It’s a growing business.

“World Options UK has a great deal of experience to share; they are several years ahead of us,” Andrew says.

World Options acquired by global group

More recent developments have served to boost the brand’s reputation and business potential.

In 2022 Italian-based conglomerate MBE (since renamed Fortidia) acquired the World Options business.

Fortidia brings exceptional scale and experience to the already well-resourced brand. It operates across 60 countries, supporting over 1.1 million business customers through an extensive network of 3,190 business solutions centres and 11 strategic head offices worldwide. 

With a team of 14,000 associates and a portfolio boasting €1.4 billion ($2.41 billion) in system-wide gross revenue in 2023 alone Fortidia is a force to be reckoned with.

World Options Australia has taken advantage of Fortidia’s experience to plot development plans and discuss potential marketing strategies for the local business.

It’s an exciting opportunity which will benefit new and existing franchisees, says Andrew.

“Fortidia provides an extraordinary well of experience that the Australian business can tap into,” he says. 

World Options’ capacity to optimise the B2B market and burgeoning online retail sector, which have delivered significant growth since the business launched in 2017, has grown exponentially with the backing of an impressive global group with extensive worldwide experience in shipping and logistics.

“It’s been a good story, really rewarding to see. And for World Options with all the support behind us, it is only going to get better,” says Andrew.