Inspiring speakers, expert advice and business opportunities

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\"The event is the UK’s largest international exhibition for a reason – its range of franchise business opportunities, advice and expert is unrivalled.\"

Adrian Goodsell

A major feature of The British & International Franchise Exhibition is the International Zone, which will provide visitors with valuable information on what opportunities are available abroad, advice on how and where to start a franchise, and how to gain funding. The zone will also help international franchisors considering launching their business in the UK.

The International Zone also boasts a comprehensive conference covering all aspects of franchising on an international scale and featuring case studies, seminars, workshops, keynotes and panel sessions. There will also be a dedicated VIP area giving visitors the chance to network and relax during their time at the event.

Other features at the exhibition include a Careers Clinic for those looking to plan their next job move and a Finance Clinic with advice on how best to raise funds for a franchise and how to fulfil the banks’ lending criteria.

The renowned conference at the exhibition gives visitors valuable insight into the different types of franchising such as high-level investment franchising, executives in franchising, hands-on franchising and growing your own business. The British Franchise Association (bfa) also hosts a series of panel seminars featuring expert advice from consultants, solicitors, bankers and franchisors, covering key subjects.

The strand of seminars under the theme ‘Growing Your Own Business’ has a series of highly successful entrepreneurs providing a ‘behind the scenes’ look at their businesses and sharing the secrets of their success.

One of the speakers is Aaron Chatterly, CEO of feelunique.com, Europe’s largest online beauty retailer. The Jersey-born entrepreneur researched the online cosmetics market, and recognised a gap in the market. Along with Richard Schiessl he set up Island Cosmetics in August 2005, which soon became feelunique.com. The business stocks over 17,500 health and beauty products from more than 550 major brands. In 2012 feelunique.com was ranked as one of the UK’s fastest growing private companies and has received numerous endorsements and awards. The retailer has also expanded the brand to open a salon, spa and club hotel, all based in the Channel Islands.

Also speaking will be Alastair Poulain, one of the founders of Original Travel. The company launched in 2003 and the concept was simple – top quality holidays requiring little or no time off work. The three founders, all fanatical travellers, came up with a portfolio of action-packed long weekends to original destinations, and The Big Short Break was born. The business offers a wide range of experiences from husky sledding through Sweden, staying in ice hotels and remote mountain cabins, to touring America’s Deep South on a Blues music road trip.

Both the concept and the trips were favourably received and the business has since expanded to launch a successful long-haul portfolio; a range of original family holidays and even two books; The Big Short Break and Dive in Style. The firm has also acquired Tim Best Travel, adding further industry expertise. Sales are £7 million and the firm employs 28 full-time staff.

At the heart of the event is the wide range of franchise companies spanning a variety of interesting sectors from property and travel to food and drink and finance. Visitors can meet and discuss opportunities with representatives from these businesses which include Leisure Leagues, Antal, Home Instead Senior Care, Value Doors, Calli’s Corner, Kare Plus, 7 Camicie, Gautier, Weight Medics, Agency Express, Auditel and MinuteMan Press.

The exhibition is London’s only franchise event supported by the bfa and only companies adhering to the bfa’s Code of Ethics can exhibit. Visitors can therefore have full confidence in all of the franchise opportunities on offer.

New to The British & International Franchise Exhibition is a pre-booked appointments system via www.franchiseinfo.co.uk. This enables aspiring franchise owners to plan their visit and ensure they are able to meet and spend time with exhibitors that really interest them.

Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The British & International Franchise Exhibition comments: “The event is the UK’s largest international exhibition for the main reason its range of franchise business opportunities, advice and expert is unrivalled. The exciting line-up of conference speakers and helpful features provides additional insight for visitors into the many opportunities available for franchise owners.”

To register for The British & International Franchise Exhibition, call 0844 257 8668 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk. Admission on the door is £15 and pre-booked tickets are free in advance by using the promotional code LTFMPR when registering online.

The British & International Franchise Exhibition is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday, March 15 and 4pm on Saturday, March 16 2013.