Major franchises and an extensive programme of seminars produced a host of satisfied visitors at the inaugural Franchise Opportunities Live event at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow.
It attracted aspiring entrepreneurs, who had researched franchising as a career prospect and were ready to talk seriously with potential partners. The organisers had carefully matched the interests of these prospective franchisees with appropriate franchises and set up one-to-one meetings.
The event met the approval of exhibitors, such as Steve Welsh, managing director of Kare Plus, who said: “It supplied the best of the best – the cream of the crop. There were genuine hot leads which had done their due diligence. We met serious prospects, who I know will buy our franchise.”
Philippe Rechsteiner, chief financial officer of La Pataterie, commented: “It exceeded our expectations in the quality and quantity of meetings. The appointments system was extremely helpful, and I liked the format and location.”
The mood was businesslike but relaxed as visitors made the most of the opportunity to meet face-to-face with exhibitors. Visitors could be confident in their meetings as the event was exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association. Only franchise companies that had met its code of ethics were allowed to exhibit.
Visitor feedback
A visitor, Jimil Shah, a CAD designer in the civil engineering industry from Stanmore, commented: “This was the first event I‘ve been to and I was impressed by everyones helpfulness. There was a very co-operative attitude, not a hard sell. I’m interested in both web design and the property business and went away away with several good ideas to consider seriously.”
Another visitor, Andrew Stansell, a submariner from Watford, added: “I had appointments with a wide variety of businesses. After getting a good first impression at an earlier exhibition at Olympia, I wanted in-depth conversations with some companies and the chance to meet several in one day. Preparation and research are important. I particularly liked the appointments system.”
Adrian Goodsell, franchise exhibitions manager of the organisers, Venture Marketing Group (VMG), commented: “Franchise Opportunities Live was a new and different way for prospective franchisees to progress their research into franchises. It proved a tremendous success.
“VMG is continually working to ensure that it provides innovative and effective forums for potential franchisees to meet their ideal franchise. It prides itself on providing the best independent advice and guidance to visitors.”
The next franchise exhibition is the National Franchise Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham on Oct 5-6, organised by VMG.