Paving the way for success
There will be a double chance to help people make their New Year’s franchise resolution over the next couple of months when The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on February 24 and 25, and the well-established British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London on March 16 and 17.
Both events showcase a broad range of franchise businesses to suit every budget and lifestyle, and will introduce visitors to franchises in sectors they may not have been aware of such as food and drink, travel, property and home care. Exhibitors include Cash Generator, Daily Poppins, Go Cruise, Lawnhopper, Plug and Play Design and Value Doors.
Visitors can be confident that the exhibitions only feature franchises that meet the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) code of ethics.
There are also many features at the exhibitions to provide visitors with all the support and advice they need in order to investigate a career as a franchise owner.
Those who want to expand their knowledge of franchising should head for The Franchise Starting Point in order to gather all the information they need to get the most of their visit to the show. Experts from organisations including the bfa, banks, accountants and franchise owners will help visitors to consider their options and find a business that suits their requirements.
At The Careers Clinic, a group of professionals will work with visitors to assess their career path and plan future job moves. Together, they will define goals and objectives in order to create a practical and useful career plan.
The informative and inspiring Franchisee Panel offers a valuable insight into life as a franchise owner, and has proved a popular feature with visitors. It provides an opportunity to hear from franchise owners about the transition period from being employee to a self-employed franchise owner. These panel sessions enable visitors to have all their questions answered and find out the reality of being a franchise owner.
Both shows also feature an extensive free conference programme, which includes seminars by the bfa. During these sessions, a panel of experts will cover all aspects of franchising including how to find funding, where to go for legal advice and what a franchisor looks for in a franchise owner. In addition, there will be a series of seminars on key franchise-related topics. Conference themes include high-level investment franchising, franchise resales, executives in franchising, and families in franchising, hands-on franchising, international franchising and growing your own business.
The High Investment VIP Lounge is where high-level investors can find valuable conversations and network. Sponsored by Platinum Property Partners and United Carpets, the lounge is a great place to conduct meetings away from the bustle of the exhibition, and has complimentary wi-fi.
Exclusive to The National Franchise Exhibition are the popular Franchisee Recruitment Open Days hosted by McDonald’s. Visitors can meet with the McDonald’s team, find out about what goes on behind the scenes of one of the world’s biggest brands and investigate whether becoming a McDonald’s franchise owner is right for them. Presentations take place at 11am and 2pm on both days.
Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition and The British & International Franchise Exhibition, explains: “Developing a franchise is an excellent way of running your own business, as it offers autonomy, combined with support from an established brand.
“However, the current economic climate means that potential franchise owners can really benefit from the support, advice and guidance on offer at both shows in order to gain the information they need to achieve business success.”
The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at the NEC Birmingham on February 24 and 25, and The British & International Franchise Exhibition will be held March 16 and 17 at Olympia, London.
Written by Louise Smith