The organiser of the franchise show is bringing the event to Ireland for the first time this September
Promoting a franchise can be hard work. That’s why attending an industry focused exhibition like The Franchise Show can make it easier for franchisors to market their franchises to thousands of pre-qualified visitors in one place.
Following another record slashing show in London last February, the organiser of The Franchise Show decided to take the show across the border. Working closely with the Irish Franchise Association, it’s bringing the event to Ireland for the first time this September. The show will be hosted at the RDS in Dublin on September 9-10.
Ceri Rogers, event director, says: “Ireland has not seen a franchise focused business show for some years and we’re excited to bring our show to Dublin this September. It will be totally free to attend - there is no charge for any aspect of the show, including all seminars, features and one-to-one advice.”
Why you should visit
For many of us, the thought of escaping the weekly nine-to-five working to make someone else’s business successful is the stuff dreams are made of. But what puts many of us off becoming our own boss is the low survival rate - 50 per cent of start-ups fail within the first four years.
The low risk alternative is investing in a franchise, which provides you with:
- A ready-made business model.
- A loyal customer base.
- A tried and tested product/service.
- Relationships with suppliers.
- A dominant online presence.
- Extensive training.
Plus, a franchise is a much safer investment than starting your own business from scratch.
The franchise industry is ripe with opportunities for franchise first-timers and experienced business owners looking to expand their portfolios. Thousands of people are discovering why franchising is the ideal way to own their own businesses.
What visitors say about the franchise show
Keith McGregor visited The Franchise Show in London in 2015. He explains: “I was made redundant from my job as a finance director for a large company. I initially set up a finance company to help tide me over, but a friend recommended I visit The Franchise Show to see what inspiration it could offer.
“I had no intention of buying anything. I went to the show to look for ideas for things I could do myself and add to the services I was already offering.
“Once at the show, I found the Expense Reduction Analysts stand. It ticked all the boxes in terms of being white collar, consultancy style and somewhere I could put my existing skills to good use. Not only that, but there were plenty of other people there chatting away, so I thought: ‘This must be something worth looking at’.
“The more I talked to the staff on the stand, the more I became convinced this was something I could not only do, but do well.
“The best piece of advice I can offer anyone looking to buy a franchise is to research and do your due diligence. To be honest, that was the main reason I joined ERA, because of the people I spoke to during my due diligence. I was inspired, encouraged and spurred on by them. These were the type of people I wanted to work with and in the end the type of business owner I wanted to be.”
Another visitor, this time to The Franchise Show London 2016, says: “I had just been made redundant and wanted to investigate alternative job opportunities. I found the Tubz Brands stand at the show and it was their professional ability, knowledge and enthusiasm that impressed me.
“I didn’t have a brand or sector in mind when I visited. I was looking for ideas of what was available and made up my mind once I’d visited the Tubz Brands stand. I am happy with the choice I made, as Tubz Brands lived up to everything they told me, even down to the training and back up.
“They are there for you, but not in your face. They are like your parents in the background when you have left home. They are there for you when you need them.
“My advice to anyone considering buying a franchise is to do your due diligence and make sure you visit the franchisor at their premises. I’d also recommend visiting The Franchise Show, as that gives you a broad view of all the opportunities available, so you can get a feel for what may suit you and your skills.”
At the Franchise Show Ireland you will be able to:
- Discover Ireland and the rest of the world’s best franchise brands.
- Explore funding options.
- Meet existing franchisees.
- Receive personal one-to-one expert advice.
- Explore international and master licence opportunities.
- Attend informative seminars.
Informative seminars
The seminars feature a variety of speakers from the franchise industry and other local businesses. Topics covered include what’s involved in buying a franchise, how to fund your franchise, how to market your franchise and how to use social media to engage with your customers and future franchisees.
An interesting mix of brands have already signed up to exhibit at the show. The types of franchises range from food and drink to pet grooming and from fitness clubs to business and financial advisers. Some are specifically suited to home-based working, while others are retail and high street brands.
