Franchising is on the up…North, for the summer exhibition

Aspiring entrepreneurs will find a superb range of career and business opportunities, advice and guidance when The British Franchise Exhibition kicks off in Manchester on Friday, June 21.The two-day exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to find out all about franchising, receive advice and guidance as well as meet face-to-face with franchisors and existing franchise owners. Ming Jiang, a manager in the hotel industry from Sutton Coldfield, attended the exhibition last year and commented: “It was really useful to compare companies in the care sector industry all in one place. I thought The British Franchise Exhibition was very good.”

The comprehensive franchise event is set to showcase a range of franchise businesses across sectors such as property, food and drink, finance, retail, technology and many more.Some of the big brands attending The British Franchise Exhibition include McDonald’s, Anytime Fitness, Caremark, Rosemary Bookkeeping and Platinum Property Partners.As the North-west England’s only British franchise association-accredited exhibition, exhibitors meet the association’s standard for providing accurate and relevant information as well as viable franchise packages.

Visitors can meet face-to-face with franchisors and franchise owners from businesses they already know but, they can also identify fresh potential franchisors. Kevin Eastwell, a surveyor from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, described last years’ exhibition as ‘valuable and worthwhile’.
“I found some unexpected ideas while looking around,” he added.The event already boasts a packed itinerary of activities including everything from introductory seminars for those new to franchising to high-level investment seminars hosted by the likes of Sign-a-Rama and Platinum Property Partners. The Careers Clinic, Finance Clinic and Real Franchise Stories are all features not to be missed. Careers Clinic’s experts will be on hand to help visitors prioritise their goals and objectives and provide help in assessing which franchise best suits their skills and experience.

When it comes to raising finance, the key to success lies in the business plan. Help is at hand in The Finance Clinic with expert advice on how to put the document together, how best to raise funds and how to fulfill the banks’ lending criteria.

Real Franchise Stories is an excellent way to hear honest feedback about franchising with first hand accounts from fellow franchisees sharing the benefit of their experience and answering any questions or concerns potential franchisees may have.

Award-winning franchise The Creation Station will bring its Children’s Activity Centre, which can provide a focus for children allowing parents a greater degree of freedom to explore the many opportunities.

For those with a desire to run their own fast food franchise, McDonald’s will hold Franchisee Recruitment Open Sessions on both the Friday and Saturday. Visitors will be able to meet with staff and gain insight into the opportunity. Keen to attract females to its franchise network, the fast food giant will host an open session from 2pm on Friday 21 aimed solely at women.

Adrian Goodsell of Franchise Exhibition Manager at Venture Marketing Group, which organises the event, said: “The exhibition in Manchester offers potential franchisees a brilliant opportunity to find out all about the industry and meet businesses, network, and gain advice and support, all under one roof. Franchising is an industry that is continuing to grow and offers many exciting career choices.” Admission on the door is £10. Visitors can, however gain FREE admission by using the promotional code TFMJ when they register on the website.