The British & International Franchise Exhibition, held in association with the British Franchise Association (bfa) and supported by the Daily Mail, is a must attend event for entrepreneurs either looking to start and run their own franchise ventures or who are looking to expand their existing portfolio of businesses. Visitors will be able to meet and speak with established franchisees, providing them with the opportunity to find out the realities of running a particular franchise and what would be expected of them.

From management consultancy and recruitment to food & drink, health & fitness, cleaning companies and automotive repairs, the huge choice of franchises available covers a vast range of business sectors, providing visitors with the opportunity to find the business that is the ideal match for their interests and expertise.

More than 200 exhibitors will be present, including Apollo Blinds, Atlantic Business Resources, NBC Bird Solutions, Papa John's, Shoes Galore, Go Cruise, Snappy Snaps, Thorntons, Your Move, Coffee Republic, Canas y Tapas, PrÉmaman and many more.

The exhibition also includes a unique International Pavilion featuring companies looking to expand into the UK and offering numerous new global franchising ideas. Both exhibitors and visitors alike can use this Pavilion to meet and network with representatives from these franchises, and discover more about the international investment opportunities they offer.

FREE SEMINARS PROVIDING AN INVALUABLE INSIGHT INTO FRANCHISING
A further highlight of the exhibition is the series of free seminars run by the bfa. These seminars, which feature a number of high-profile speakers from the UK franchise industry, will advise on all of the major issues involved with running a franchised business. The seminars include:

• 'An introduction to franchising for prospective franchisees'
  Friday & Saturday at 11am and 2pm
  Essential franchise advice and information to aspiring business owners new to franchising.
• 'How to franchise your business for prospective franchisors'
Friday & Saturday at 12.30pm
Introduction to franchising as a way of growing an existing business or developing a new business idea. First hand insight into the experiences of franchisors who have successfully established a franchise network, as well as providing useful information and advice from both legal experts and franchising consultants.

HELPING OPTIMISE YOUR TIME AT THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition will also include the Find Your Franchise Zone to help prospective franchisees achieve the most from their time at the exhibition. By indicating their level of investment, location and key business sector interests, visitors to this area will be given assistance on finding the most suitable franchise options available for them with a tailor-made route around the exhibition.

THE FRANCHISEE FORUM*
New to the exhibition this year, this interactive forum will provide the perfect fact-finding and networking opportunity for prospective franchisees. A panel of established franchisees, chaired by an impartial leading member of the franchise industry, will field questions from visitors about the process of becoming a franchisee.

LEADING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS PROVIDE INSPIRATION FOR VISITORS
The Women in Franchising Zone provides a dedicated platform for promoting, encouraging and celebrating women's involvement in the UK's £10 billion franchise industry. The Zone will feature presentations from leading women entrepreneurs and franchisees.

*Taking place on both days of the event, the panel discussion will last 30 minutes, followed by an informal 30 minute afternoon tea and networking session. Visitors are invited to pre-book a place in advance by e-mailing sarah.sweby@vmgl.com

Text: Venture Marketing Group Ltd

Leap into franchising!

• Launch your franchising career with investments starting from as little as £5k
• Choose from over 200 proven UK and international franchise opportunities
• Learn from the experts at the free franchise seminar programme
• Receive free advice from the leading solicitors, accountants and consultants present
• Boost your business with free entry to the co-located Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference

The British & International Franchise Exhibition
4-5 Apr 2008 / Olympia, LONDON