Attend the National Franchise exhibition

Aspiring franchisees are invited to attend thenational franchise exhibition at the Nec, Birmingham on october 2-3

This autumn will see the return of the UK’s largest franchise event in the industry calendar for 2015. Offering a huge range of business opportunities to visitors, The National Franchise Exhibition is the must-attend event of the year for anyone looking to start a new franchise venture and become their own boss.

The event is a key opportunity for aspiring business owners to meet face-to-face with hundreds of industry experts, franchise brands and established franchisees. Sponsored this year by the world’s number one health and fitness franchise, Anytime Fitness, the two-day event is free to attend and expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the UK. Those interested in attending can book their free ticket at www.FranchiseTickets.co.uk using the code MMS3.

SECTORS

Showcasing a wide range of sectors, including health care, food and drink, retail, fitness, recruitment, cleaning and property, there is a business model to suit every budget and interest. Among the established brands attending this year will be Dublcheck, Anytime Fitness, McDonald’s, Platinum Property Partners, Wok&Go, Kare Plus, Mac Tools and many more.

Adrian Goodsell, director of franchise sales at Venture Marketing Group, which runs and organises the franchise exhibitions, says: “The National Franchise Exhibition is instrumental for any ambitious entrepreneur looking for business opportunities.

“Being part of a franchise provides an excellent chance to start your own business, but with the reassuring support of an established brand behind you. The exhibition provides a rare platform to be face-to-face with top industry professionals and take in sound advice before starting your own journey.”
The National Franchise Exhibition is supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa), so visitors can trust that every exhibitor has shown proven results and met the association’s strict code of ethics.

Pip Wilkins, head of operations at the British Franchise Association, comments on the significance a bfa-approved event has for attendees: “It reassures visitors that these are the only events where the trade body representing the sector has taken a snapshot assessment of each exhibitor, members and non-members alike, against a range of criteria - such as the franchise agreement and financial performance - allowing only those brands that can satisfy this process to be put in front of them.”

ADVICE

One visitor who attended The National Franchise Exhibition in October 2014 was Lee Malin, who became part of the Cafe2U team just a few months after the exhibition in January 2015.

After Lee’s wife, Alison, saw an advert for The National Franchise Exhibition, the couple decided to attend to gain invaluable industry advice. Excited to get in front of established franchises, Lee and Alison were immediately drawn to the Cafe2U stand.

Lee explains: “After meeting the staff at the Cafe2U stand, it gave me confidence knowing there was a good support team if I needed it. Being my first venture working for myself, I thought I would be more confident having support from the team if things didn’t go as well as I hoped, or when I needed guidance on something.”

Within two weeks of meeting the Cafe2U team, Lee decided to buy his new franchise. Lee comments on his favourite aspects of being a franchisee: “It’s the flexibility of the working hours and the ability to fit my family commitments around that. I have a son and daughter and now have time to cook dinner for the whole family once I’m finished with my daily round and picked the children up from school.”

SEMINARS

The National Franchise Exhibition offers a variety of free additional features and advice, as well as first-hand guidance from industry experts. A highlight of the event is the extensive seminar programme offering over 60 free seminars, where a range of professionals will discuss the required tools and advice to set up and manage a successful franchise business.

Representatives from the bfa, business advisers, legal and financial professionals, franchisors and franchisees will speak on a range of relevant topics. These include an introduction to franchising, how to avoid any pitfalls and how to raise finance for your franchise business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at The NEC, Birmingham on October 2-3. Visitors can gain free entry by registering online at www.FranchiseTickets.co.uk and entering the promotional code MMS3 (saving £15).

Follow the event on Twitter @UKFranchising, Like the Franchiseinfo page on Facebook and join The Franchise Exhibitions group on LinkedIn for more updates.