With many ‘Brits’ harbouring an ambition to be their own boss, we are truly a nation of entrepreneurs! The National Franchise Exhibition is the perfect place for a prospective franchisee to kick-start their journey to business ownership and unlock the potential of franchising – an established and lucrative business model.
Franchising offers an exceptional opportunity to run your own business while benefitting from the ongoing training and support of a proven brand. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 4th and 5th October 2024, the UK’s flagship franchise exhibition provides a unique chance to meet the teams behind leading franchise brands from across a vast range of industries and sectors. These include Anytime Fitness, Ben & Jerry’s, Home Instead, McDonald’s, T4 Bubble Tea, Vodafone Business IT Hubs, plus many more!
The event will showcase a diverse range of business opportunities, including management franchises, hands-on operations, premises-based businesses, and home-based ventures. There’s a brand to fit any budget, interest, or ambition.
At the event, you can explore the world of franchising, connect with leading franchisors, receive free personalised advice from top industry experts, and attend a full schedule of free talks – all under one roof. This event caters to all future franchisees regardless of age or the stage they’re at on their franchise journey.
Research by BusinessesForSale and The Franchise Exhibitions reveals that the proportion of younger franchisees is increasing year on year. The majority of visitors surveyed at the franchise exhibitions are now aged between 25 and 44, demonstrating that a younger demographic is in search of sustainable ways to control their future and improve their quality of life. Franchising offers a credible roadmap towards this goal.
The two-day exhibition will showcase a variety of franchise opportunities with investment levels starting from less than £10,000 in the Low-Cost Franchise Showcase. This section highlights brands with lower investment requirements, making it the perfect starting point for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to be their own boss but have limited upfront capital.
A popular feature of the exhibition is the International Franchise Pavilion, showcasing overseas brands aiming to expand into the UK market. This has the attractive benefit of offering investors a golden opportunity to become an early adopter of a brand, giving them a competitive edge and a chance to make their mark in a new business venture.
This year features the Taiwan Pavilion, showcasing brands ready to launch in the UK with everything from bubble tea to cutting-edge hair and beauty products.
Researching the franchise industry can feel daunting and challenging, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. The National Franchise Exhibition stands out as an invaluable resource for learning about franchise opportunities. This unique event offers much more than just information – it provides free advice and guidance through a comprehensive seminar programme.
Whether you’re just starting to understand how the franchise model works or are actively exploring investment options, the event’s schedule of over 50 free talks has something for everyone. Visitors will gain an in-depth understanding of the business model, learn more about the latest industry trends and get practical tips on everything it takes to become a franchise owner.
British Franchise Association support
The unparalleled line-up at the exhibition includes representatives from many established brands, franchise experts and successful franchisees, alongside a series of educational seminars from the British Franchise Association (BFA) who exclusively support the event. Seminar titles include ‘How to Franchise Your Business’ and ‘An Introduction to Franchising’ – perfect introductions for both potential franchisees and franchisors.
Longstanding partner, the BFA will also be hosting the new Lifestyle Zone. This area will showcase BFA member brands with an investment level of £12,000 or less from diverse sectors including pet services, children’s activities, and personal services. Throughout the day, educational sessions and panel discussions will be held, offering insights into each business and the franchise industry.
Panel sessions such as the ‘Real Franchise Stories’ return where visitors can benefit from first-hand accounts from successful franchisees who have experienced it all. Franchisees from multiple successful brands will share the secrets of their success in these Q&A sessions, such as why they chose to invest, what they have learnt along the way and what they might do differently next time.
Attendees can also gain valuable guidance from industry-leading experts in the ‘Franchise Insights Panel Sessions’ exclusively for exhibiting franchise brands.
One of the exhibition’s most popular features is the free, one-on-one advice offered by a diverse range of industry experts. These sessions help aspiring franchisees take the next steps on their franchise journey. Specialists from the BFA, finance providers, expert lawyers, and consultants will be available throughout the event to provide complimentary, face-to-face guidance.
Learn about funding options from specialist lenders, receive crucial legal advice, and gain impartial insights from BFA representatives to help you make informed decisions about your future in franchising.
This event attracts a range of visitors including those who are looking to grow their current business, some with a view to becoming franchisors themselves. The event’s Grow Your Own Business area is the perfect place to obtain insights and knowledge about whether your business might be at the right stage to franchise. Enjoy a free appointment with a franchise consultant, attend free seminars and speak directly to the BFA to kick-start your franchise journey.
One exclusive area, running parallel to the exhibition, for existing franchisees with ambitions to expand their portfolio, is the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference and networking drinks event. This is an incredible opportunity to hear from established franchisees and representatives from leading brands as they discuss the dos and don’ts of creating a multi-unit portfolio. Network with those right at the forefront of the franchise industry and understand just what it takes to build an empire.
Keynote speaker
The Franchise Exhibitions have historically attracted some big-name keynote speakers and this year is no different. Speaking on Friday 4th October will be award-winning journalist, broadcaster and now franchisor – Steph McGovern. A familiar face on TV, she has appeared on numerous panel shows and presented Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch for over three years.
McGovern has been at the forefront of financial and business journalism making her well-placed to comment on the current economic landscape and the potential benefits of investing in a franchise today. Don’t miss her keynote talk ‘A new era – the power of franchising in today’s economy’ where she will provide valuable insights and inspire entrepreneurs to create wealth through franchising.
Tracy Shah, managing director of Venture Marketing Group, comments: “The exhibition will house everything a prospective business owner needs to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey – an inspiring line-up of franchise brands and insights from industry thought-leaders and a wealth of expert advice, all under one roof.”
For more information and to book your free ticket to The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk.
Posted: 8th September, 2024