Opportunities abound at The National Franchise Exhibition 2012

Tried-and-tested business opportunities to suit a variety of talents, budgets and lifestyles will be on offer and what’s more, readers of The Franchise Magazine can attend the exhibition for free.


McDonald’s, Subway, Cash Converters, Snappy Snaps, The Zip Yard, Papa John’s, Surelet and Mac Tools are just some of the household names due to appear at The National Franchise Exhibition 2012.

Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, which organises The National Franchise Exhibition, says: “A visit to the show is a valuable introduction for those interested in franchising. It helps many people take an important step towards becoming a franchise owner.” Alongside representatives of firms pitching franchise opportunities will be a host of finance experts from banks such as HSBC and NatWest.

There will also be accountants, solicitors and franchising experts on hand to provide insight into franchise issues.

However, key to the event’s kudos is the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) exclusive support, which means only companies which meet the Association’s Code of Ethics can exhibit.

The opportunity to review so many franchised businesses on the same day proved a boon to visitor Keith Spengler last year. Former Telecommunications Manager Keith, from Banbury, found the event “really enjoyable”.

Keith adds: “It was fantastic to see so many innovative ideas and eye-catching stands and it’s a great way to review a diverse range of businesses.

“There were two or three franchises that were very interesting, so we may end up buying more than one.”

The packed programme of bfa seminars will delve into and pick apart key franchising topics from high-level investment and hands-on franchising to executives in franchising and growing your own business. Seasoned experts will be tackling the range of issues around franchising your business.

The exhibition also offers the chance to learn from the experiences of people who have already invested in franchises.

Anecdotal evidence and advice can be gleaned from listening in on Real Franchise Stories, in which a panel of current franchise owners will reveal the reality behind their leap into the franchise world.

By outlining the finer details of transition from employed to self-employed franchise owner – insights that no handbook can offer – visitors can build up a realistic picture of what the future might hold.

With Q&A sessions taking place throughout the two-day event, visitors will get the opportunity to really grill those in the know.

Independent finance sourcing professionals Franchise Finance will be running The Business Plan Clinic, offering help to budding franchise owners eager to get to grips with their business plan – the essential document in the process of applying for a business loan.

Franchise Finance experts are keen to provide visitors with the guidance they need to present a successful application to the bank.

So why not let their experts cast their eyes over your business plan draft? Not only will they be offering free advice throughout the event, but they’ll also be coming up with answers to your questions.

The Franchise Starting Point will offer one-to-one advice from industry experts, consultants, lawyers, bankers and franchisors.


Meanwhile, at the Franchise Resales Pavilion, visitors can learn about the benefits of buying an existing franchise business and enquire about resales available with exhibiting companies.

Those lucky enough to have access to large amounts of liquid capital, coupled with an eagerness to invest, should head over to the High Investment VIP Lounge.

Visitors there will be treated to free tea and coffee as well as complimentary Wi-Fi enabling them to meet and network with franchisors while keeping in touch with the office.

Award-winning franchise The Creation Station will also be providing activities for children including making masks, treasure boxes and T-shirts while parents and guardians explore the business opportunities at the exhibition.

Readers of The Franchise Magazine can visit the exhibition for free by using the complimentary tickets below or using the promotional code PRTFM when they register on the website.

The event will take place on October 5 and October 6 from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday.