Two exhibitions put a spring into your next step
Next spring there will be even more opportunities to find a wide range of careers in franchising with two major franchise events taking place in Birmingham and London.
The National Franchise Exhibition returns to the NEC in Birmingham on February 24 to 25. Along with The British & International Franchise Exhibition, which takes place on March 16 and 17 in Olympia, London. The two events will offer business opportunities and valuable advice for potential franchise owners from across the UK and overseas.
Both exhibitions will showcase a broad range of franchise businesses that cover virtually every sector with ideas to suit every budget, lifestyle and skill. There will also be many features that provide visitors with all the support they need in order to investigate and begin a move into a new career as a franchise owner.
Both these franchise exhibitions are exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa), meaning that visitors can have confidence in the franchise opportunities exhibiting, as only companies that follow the bfa’s code of ethics are able to exhibit.
Perfect starting point
The Franchise Starting Point is an ideal way for those who are new to the concept to begin their visit to the show. Experts from organisations including the bfa, banks, accountants and franchise owners will provide visitors with help in considering their options and finding a business that suits their requirements.
Visitors who need guidance in assessing their career path and planning future job moves should head to The Careers Clinic. Here, they will discover a group of professionals, who will work with visitors to define their goals and objectives in order to create a practical and useful career plan.
Valuable insights
The informative and inspiring Franchisee Panel is always popular with visitors keen to gain insight into life as a franchise owner from those who know from experience. It provides an opportunity to hear from franchise owners about the transition period from being employee to becoming 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, who you should go to 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 including An Introduction To Franchising, Families In Franchising, High Level Franchising, Growing Your Own Business and Executives In Franchising.
Full spectrum
Exhibitors at the shows cover a wide range of industries, which will introduce visitors to franchises in sectors they may not have considered. These areas cover food and drink, travel, property and home care. Businesses confirmed so far for The British & International Franchise Exhibition in London include Agency Express, Canas y Tapas, Go-Kart Party, PVC Wizard and Totally Clean Solution.
Keith Spengler, a Telecommunications Manager from Banbury, who visited The National Franchise Exhibition in 2011, says: “We really enjoyed ourselves at the show and it was great to see so many innovative ideas and eye-catching stands.
“The show is a great way to review a diverse range of businesses, and there were two or three businesses that were very interesting – so we may end up buying more than one franchise!”
Packed shows
Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition and The British & International Franchise Exhibition, adds: “Budding franchise owners should put these dates in their diaries and come along. Both shows are packed with business opportunities, support and guidance – all under one roof – and offer a real insight into what is a very healthy industry and this is a superb way to find the right franchise.
“Feedback from visitors and exhibitors at our recent shows has indicated that, despite the current economic climate, there is plenty of opportunity and support available for those who want to become involved in franchising.”
The National Franchise Exhibition takes place in the NEC Birmingham on February 24 and 25, and The British & International Franchise Exhibition takes place on March 16 and 17 in Olympia, London.