FDS Lebanon has become the source of media attention in the Middle East after an extremely successful franchise seminar and event, coordinated by FDS Lebanon’s Managing Director, Mahmoud Chahrour, ignited interest from a number of successful Lebanese businesses.

Chahrour and Roy Seaman, the founder of FDS in the UK, delivered the seminar, held in Le Royal Hotel in Beirut. The Lebanese Minister of Industry, Vrej Sabounjian, stayed for the full two-hour duration and made clear his interest in franchising as a perfect model for expansion for Lebanon.

The success of the seminar was in line with the Nation’s ambitions as more and more Lebanese businesses wake up to the potential of this unique system. Chahrour said: “Lebanon is considered to be the sleeping giant of Middle Eastern franchise brands, most of Middle Eastern indigenous franchises are Lebanese and these franchises are eager to go to new markets outside of Lebanon due to the small Lebanese consumer market.”

FDS Lebanon has recently agreed terms with a large client that will see the development, recruitment and expansion of a franchise network.

Chahrour continued: “The seminar’s success was beyond our expectation, Roy is a very famous man in the Lebanese franchise market now. Attendees loved it, the minister loved it and he was very enthusiastic talking about FDS and its services at the Q&A session at the end of the event. The British embassy in Beirut was present by one of its members who offered to have the British ambassador available anytime we launch a UK business in the country or if we need any help and assistance. All in all, we were so happy doing what we did and the good things will eventually come for FDS and British brands in Lebanon and the Middle East region.”

The Lebanese government has pledged its support for franchising and is reported to be making up to $400,000 readily available to Lebanese businesses looking to franchise their businesses throughout the country.

Published: 14 March 2014

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