Aspiring and existing business owners alike will explore the rewarding world of franchising at The British & International Franchise Exhibition, Olympia, London on 1 & 2 February.
Whether the new year marks the start of a journey to first-time business ownership or to the expansion of an existing business, franchising offers new and seasoned entrepreneurs alike an optimised route to success.
At an event focused on providing quality advice and support on all aspects of franchising, visitors to The British & International Franchise Exhibition will have the opportunity to explore premises, van and home-based franchise opportunities across sectors including fitness, food and drink, care, property, and children’s activities.
London’s only exhibition held in association with the British Franchise Association (BFA), the event offers visitors the unique reassurance that all exhibiting brands have been assessed and accredited by the BFA as operating a business-format franchise.
Global names present will include Anytime Fitness, ActionCOACH, Esquires Coffee and Minuteman Press. Among the home-grown franchises will be Creams Cafè, GutterPRO and Radfield Home Care.
The range of exhibitors ensure investment levels suit all budgets, from under £10,000 to upwards of £500,000, with features of the event dedicated to low-cost, high-level investment and van-based franchises.
National sales and lettings agents, Belvoir, are regular exhibitors at The Franchise Exhibitions. Martin Bunney, Director of Franchise Recruitment at Belvoir comments: “A franchise is a fantastic route for people to achieve business ownership, and we have met visitors from many backgrounds and walks of life at the exhibitions.
“The events provide an excellent chance to discuss our thriving franchise network in a supportive and friendly environment, and we look forward to meeting enterprising individuals at The British & International Franchise Exhibition who could join us as our next franchisees.”
In addition to exploring the large exhibition of BFA-accredited brands, visitors can benefit from advice on all aspects of franchising via more than 60 free seminars, workshops and Q&A sessions.
For anyone new to franchising, the BFA’s seminars educating on the fundamentals of the model are invaluable. There is also the chance to hear from and pose questions to existing franchisees in the BFA Real Franchise Stories. Industry specialists will share legal and financial expertise, and there will be presentations on how to franchise an existing business.
Growing Your Own Business
Designed to support entrepreneurs to develop and sustain a successful business, The Growing Your Own Business conference offers free workshops on key business skills including marketing, PR sales and customer relationship management.
Keynote speakers will inspire and motivate as they share the stories of their journey to success, and a hub facilitates networking among peers and experts.
Existing franchisees who are considering expanding into more franchises will be well-served by the bespoke Multi-unit Franchise Conference.
Designed to shine a light on the practicalities and potential of running lucrative multi-unit franchise portfolios, the conference includes presentations from industry experts and candid panel discussions among already successful multi-unit franchisees.
As well as attending the various seminars and workshops at the exhibition, visitors can benefit from one-to-one advice from professional advisers on matters including business planning and accessing finance.
Helen Wood, portfolio sales manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The Franchise Exhibitions, summarises: “The British & International Franchise Exhibition has been meticulously designed in collaboration with the BFA to offer essential advice and insights to anyone looking to achieve success with franchising.
“Visitors will be empowered to make informed choices as they explore the exciting range of franchise opportunities on offer under one roof.”
Exhibition tickets can be booked for free at FranchiseInfo.co.uk using promotional code FWD1.