Franchise Development Services, a leader in national and international franchise development, warmly invites you to join us in an exciting initiative this October, which we believe is the perfect way for franchisors to develop their franchise networks in Europe. FDS is spearheading a major US and international government-supported initiative, designed to facilitate the growth of cross-border franchising. The International Government Franchise Initiative aims to provide franchisors with a suitable networking platform for recruiting high net-worth investors for national, regional and area-licensed franchise developers which will be an integral part of the European Franchise Trade Mission.

Supported by the US Commercial Service and other export agencies, the initiative will transform the way franchisors approach international expansion. Participating franchise sectors cover retail, food, beverages, hospitality and services.

Paul Cairnie, FDS Associate Publisher of European Franchising, is driving the initiative. He explains: "The sale of an international franchise licence requires a different platform to that of a domestic franchise sale. Trade shows, national media, online marketing and magazines are great for recruiting franchisees within a country, but recruitment on an international scale requires a combination of targeted marketing to high net-worth investors and face to face meetings."

As part of the initiative FDS, which has 25 years of experience advising franchisors, will stage a European Trade Mission this October comprising government organised matchmaking meetings, FDS FranMatch sessions (the franchising equivalent of speed dating) and print and online marketing support. Participating franchisors will also benefit from three key franchise events for market education and orientation: The European Franchise Federation Conference in Brussels, the Spanish International Franchising Show in Valencia and the Italian Franchise and Partnership exhibition in Milan. Starting in Brussels on the 17th October, participants will be welcomed with a champagne reception at the 2005 European Franchising 100 Awards taking place at the five-star Royal Windsor Hotel.

A number of embassies have already shown their support for the initiative and FDS is in talks with more commercial organisations. "In addition to attracting further interest from other embassies, we're also speaking with international Chambers of Commerce and World Trade Centres," adds Paul. "We want to maximise the chances of success for every Franchisor that participates." Sam Dhir of the US Commercial Service, which is the trade promotion arm of the Federal Government with a mission to promote export of goods and services, adds: "The commercial staff at our embassies will help the US franchisors participating in this event to meet with pre-qualified/pre-screened potential Master Franchisees interested in their concept."

The Trade Mission will conclude with the Milan exhibition on the 24th October.

Franchisors interested in participating in the European Franchising 100 Trade Mission and other events worldwide should contact Paul Cairnie on: +44 1 603 620 301 or email paulc@fdsltd.com.