The Franchise Show excelled in offering global business opportunities

Franchisors from all over the world, and throughout the UK enjoyed a very busy and productive time meeting thousands of prospective new franchisees over the two days The Franchise Show held court at Excel London.

This was the second time Prysm and MFV joined forces to deliver an event, which, this year, attracted more than 140 franchise brands and over 7,000 visitors.

Godfrey Lancashire, Managing Director of London House International, said: "This year's Franchise Show was a great success in terms of leads generated and better than last year - especially so on the Saturday. We took 40 written leads from strong enquiries in addition to the casual passing delegates. Two firm sales would be excellent but as ever, the proof will be in the pudding. However, based on this experience, we have already booked for next year." Godfrey's views were echoed by probably every franchisor at the show.

Mark Burdge, Sales & Marketing Director of Martin & Co (UK) Ltd, said: "We were very happy with the quality of visitors and confident that we will secure a number of new franchise owners have already booked for next year. "The Excel show is a refreshing addition to the franchise marketing and deserves the support of the franchise community."

Norah Elizabeth Lane, CEO and Founder of Dietcare, said: "The response to the Dietcare franchise opportunity at The Franchise Show in February was much better than expected. The flexibility, financial potential and support offered to our franchise owners attracted both women wanting to work two days a week, and those seeking full-time employment. We will certainly be exhibiting at their next show."

The involvement of World Franchise market experts MFV also meant that many US brands that had not previously had an opportunity to really push into the UK, were present.

Ketan Patel, of Church's Chicken, one of the American business opportunities planning to expand in the international arena, said: "The show was fantastic, we came looking for potential franchise owners, but on perhaps a larger scale than some of the more local franchise opportunities. We are leaving with a lot of follow up work and enjoyed the feel of the show and the organisers did everything they could to ensure we had a great time."

Tony Foley, President of United Franchising Group Services, which had crossed the Atlantic with the aim of global growth, added: "It just has such a different feel to it compared to everything else out there. "The organisers ensured we were well positioned and able to get the footfall we needed. We have never doubted the show for a second and that's why we are back again and will definitely be back for 2011."

Not all franchisors at The Franchise Show had as much experience of the benefits of exhibition shows. One such franchise opportunity was Rosemary Bookkeeping, which was making its Franchise Show debut. The company's Mandy Bagot said: "It was so different to our initial thoughts - we would definitely recommend The Franchise Show to any franchise that was looking to promote themselves through an exhibition.

"We had well over 100 solid enquiries and 30 hot leads - some of who we directed to NatWest to start their financing process."

Others, however, were definitely well versed in making the most of franchise shows in the UK and Europe Professor Roy Seaman CFE - Chairman of Franchise Development Services said: "This show covers everything - whether you are looking to buy a franchise or whether you need help franchising your business there is something for everyone. It's an excellent show and one we are proud to be part of."

Prysm MFV franchise events has created a loyalty among clients that has now spread from North and South America into Europe.

Stephen Farrow, Head of Marketing and Communications for Prysm MFV, said; "The turnout at London's Franchise Show was phenomenal, not only from our visitors but the commitment from all of the franchisors here today. We actually had visitors and exhibitors representing 30 countries from around the world. You must not forget that we do everything in our powers to bring in the public, but the real magic happens inside the show."

The latest addition to the Prysm MFV exhibition series will be in Germany in 2011, where the franchise industry is booming, but does not currently have a dedicated franchise event.

The aim is to replicate the London event - which itself returns February 18-19 -bringing franchisors from throughout the world to arguably Europe's leading economy. With Germany and the UK in its portfolio, The Franchise Show is sure to be one of the most important events to attend in Europe next year.

Now that some time has passed, both exhibitors and visitors are still raving about how different this event was to other franchise exhibitions.

The organisers welcomed everyone who attended the event and made certain through a variety of seminars that there was a platform which met their needs where they could obtain the very best advice and guidance from some of the country's experienced franchise consultants, franchise lawyers, banks and accountants.