The Irish Franchise Exhibition, at the Main Hall, Royal Dublin Society (RDS), 21st-22nd November 2008, is full of ideas, help and advice for anyone considering franchising as a business and career opportunity. Companies will offer information and guidance about buying a franchise and provide a wealth of new ideas for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Leading franchises will be at the event, offering opportunities from a cross-section of business sectors, including recruitment, food and drink, health and fitness, cleaning companies and confectionery. Companies exhibiting include Apollo Blinds, BB Coffee & Muffins, Cartridge World, Cash Generator, Energie Fitness, PHQ, Lasertech, Signs Express and Snap-On Tools.

The event features the invaluable Franchisee Forum, which provides visitors with the chance to ask existing franchisees about the transition and realities of working for themselves, and is followed by a networking session. Franchisees from the following participating companies will be taking part: Complete Weed Control, energie Fitness, Signs Express and Dooley Auctioneers.

The event is supported by the Irish Franchise Association (IFA), who promote ethical franchising, The Irish Independent, Franchise Ireland and is sponsored by Ulster Bank and PHQ BY Pizza Hut.

GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS SHOWCASE & CONFERENCE
The Irish Franchise Exhibition incorporates the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference. The conference will feature some of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs, providing advice on all aspects of business including financing, strategic planning, sales and marketing.

Speakers on Friday's agenda include Alan Gleeson the Managing Director of Palo Alto Software, who will explain why business plans are more relevant than ever before in business. This will be followed by a presentation by one of the founders of CafÉ Bar Deli, who will provide an insight into franchising a business. Additional speakers on the opening day include Ruth MacPartlin, CEO & Co-Founder of Fluid Rock and Peter Lawless the Director of 3R Sales and Marketing. Ruth will be providing insight into search engine marketing and Peter on sales tips and techniques.

Speakers addressing the Saturday conference include Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors at Ulster Bank, who will be presenting a seminar on funding options for a franchise. Tara Wilson, Managing Director of Select Digital Print will discuss marketing for small businesses and Tara Dalrymple the founder of Busy Lizzie will present how to become an exceptional entrepreneur. Sarah Carroll, Founder and Managing Director of Eventznet will talk through increasing your customer base with customer service, while Tony Fitzpatrick the Managing Partner of Emerson French Consulting will provide advice on franchisee contracts.

Reported by: Alex Shephard