With well over 500,000 Brits now employed in franchising across the UK1 and industry turnover amounting to £13.7 billion2, there has never been a better time to adopt one of the UK’s most successful business models. Offering aspiring business owners an opportunity to meet with hundreds of successful franchisees, The National Franchise Exhibition and the British and International Franchise Exhibition are the essential stepping stones to reaching the end goal of franchisee or franchise owner.
The Franchise Exhibitions continue to be the only events in association with the British Franchise Association (bfa). Their strong business relationship and shared ethical stance on franchising practice offers visitors the peace of mind to openly discuss their next possible business venture with well-established businesses.
Adrian Goodsell, director of franchise sales at Venture Marketing Group comments, “These events are an ideal opportunity for any budding entrepreneur wanting to start their own business. They offer an all-encompassing experience enabling you to get advice, do all your research and see how franchising has successfully worked in the past for others. This past year has seen huge success and growth within the industry, which shows no sign of slowing down.”
Not only an opportunity for those new to running a business,, the exhibitions also provide experienced business owners a chance to discuss franchising as a route to expansion, Julie Morrell and Peter Hill, business partners from Hertfordshire looking to franchise their current business reported, “We are looking at how to franchise – we have a three/five year plan. We are trying to get a grounding in how to do it as our business is becoming a huge success”..
Showcasing hundreds of brands from across a wide range of industries such as care, food & catering, cleaning, retail, and property, there is something for everyone. The two day events will also offer visitors an extensive seminar programme and advice clinics featuring experts from the bfa, legal and financial firms business advisers, as well as both franchisors and franchisees.
Besides industry expert advice, visitors will have the chance to meet with four franchisees at the Real Franchise Stories Panel who will share their career journey and success. These open-floor sessions give visitors the opportunity to hear why the industry and brand appealed to them and their success so far.
Another hugely popular feature at both events are the McDonald’s Open Sessions, you can gain exclusive insight into what it is like to become a McDonald’s franchisee and the process involved. Meet with one of the world’s largest brands and successful franchise models.
The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 20 & 21 February 2015 and The British & International Franchise Exhibition will return to London’s Olympia on 13 & 14 March 2015.
