National franchise exhibition: Where aspirations become reality

The event will feature a wide range of franchisors, expert advisors, and a superb seminar programme all under one roof.

Visitors to the show will be able to meet with a wide range of well-established franchise companies and can assess the benefits of running their own business as part of an established franchise brand. Visitors can also meet existing franchisees to gain a clear insight into the reality of working with a particular franchisor and its business.

More than 80 companies will be exhibiting at the show providing a superb opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of a particular business face-to-face with franchisors. Exhibitors confirmed for the event include: Agency Express, Antal International, Apollo Window Blinds, Auditel, ChipsAway, Dublcheck, Go Kart Party, Hunters Lasertech, Quiznos, SureSlim, Threshers, Unze, Wimpy and Your Move to name a few.All exhibitors present at the exhibition whether members of the association or not have been accredited by the British Franchise Association (bfa), whose members abide by the bfa code of ethics and have all proven to be viable enterprises.

In addition, there will be experts from the bfa including bankers, accountants and solicitors to give free advice on every key issue from raising finance to legal contracts.

Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa commented: 'The ongoing success of The British Franchise Exhibition at G-Mex is testimony to the growing interest in franchising in the region. This is further reinforced by the latest NatWest/bfa survey which highlights that 58 per cent of UK franchise systems have a presence in the North West and franchising accounts for £0.93 billion of the region's implied turnover.'

bfa seminarsNot to be missed is a series of highly informative free seminars, run by the bfa across both days of the event. Offering valuable advice and featuring success stories, these seminars presented by leading speakers from the UK franchise industry are the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a franchisee or franchisor.

11am & 3.30pm on Friday & 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday - 'An introduction to franchising'- for prospective franchisees
This seminar is for aspiring business owners new to the franchising concept. It will address issues including: the benefits of franchising versus other business formats; what the franchisor looks for in a franchisee; what a franchisee should look for in a franchisor; the size and the expected growth in the franchise market; the initial choice of franchise; the business plan; and the finance and how to get it.

1.30pm on Friday & 12.30pm on Saturday - 'How to franchise your business' - for prospective franchisors
This seminar is designed for prospective franchisors. This free hour-long seminar consists of a short introduction to franchising as a means of expanding an existing business or developing a new venture.

Franchise Match-Making ZoneA new feature for The British Franchise Exhibition in 2007 is the Franchise Match-Making Zone, which has been especially created to help match visitors to their desired businesses.

Visitors will be presented with a list of the most suitable franchise options for them and a bespoke route to follow around the exhibition. This will be based on information they provide such as their potential level of investment and categories of business in which they are interested.

The Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and ConferenceThe Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and Conference profiles companies that offer small business advice and can help take established businesses to the next stage. The exhibition will be supported by free seminars, providing practical advice and information on all aspects of growing a business. Speakers include leading advisors, consultants and successful entrepreneurs, who will present case studies and success stories.

Click here for a free ticket to the British and International franchise exhibition held in London, 23-24 March 2007.