Franchise Exhibition brings wealth of business opportunities to Ireland

As Ireland's premier franchise event, it will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive overview of the industry, and how to become a successful business owner through buying into an established, tried and tested, concept. The exhibition is full of ideas, help and advice for anyone considering franchising as a business and career opportunity. Exhibitors will offer information and guidance about buying a franchise and will 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 and printing companies. Exhibiting companies include BB's Coffee & Muffins, Lasertech, MRI Worldwide, pristine.ie and The Streat Franchising.

The event features a valuable free seminar programme that runs across both days of the show. These sessions will not only provide expert advice on the key aspects of franchising, but will act as a guidance on how to develop and strengthen an existing businesses and feature a selection of the industry's most inspiring personalities. Brody Sweeney, Chairman of O'Briens Sandwich Bars will present a keynote address titled: Starting a business - views from an entrepreneur.

Other speakers include John Green, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association who will present an introduction for franchisees. Tony Kerins of Peninsula Business Services will discuss all the implications, regulations and advice about becoming an employer.

The conference also features presentations from existing franchisees highlighting their exciting yet challenging journeys to becoming their own boss. There will be a Business Plan Clinic facilitated by the Ulster Bank, where visitors will be able to have their business plans reviewed by one of Ulster Bank's Relationship Managers, to ensure that their businesses receive the right investment and support needed to get off the ground.

Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference

The Irish Franchise Exhibition incorporates the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference which provides advice on all aspects of business including financing, strategic planning, sales and marketing.

Speakers featured within the seminars include Orna Stokes, Ulster Bank's Head of Specialist Services. She will presenting a seminar on business planning tips and how to achieve impressive results, while Tricia Murphy, Strategic Network Consultant, TIG Alliance will address networking, and the importance of building relationships. Vanessa Tierney, MD of SOS School of Sales will discuss sales and marketing tips to help boost a business.

Exhibitors include Companies Registration Office, Peninsula Business Services, KwikKerb and Viadeo.

For further information visit www.growingyourownbusiness.ie or www.sme-events.com

The event is sponsored by Godfathers Pizza and is supported by the Irish Franchise Association and Franchise Ireland Magazine.

Opening hours on Friday are 11am-6pm and Saturday 11am-5pm. For further information on the event or to pre register please visit www.franinfo.ie. Tickets for the event are priced at €7 in advance and €10 on the door.