Member Article

Major franchise exhibition for entrepreneurs

Thinking of starting a new business venture? Becoming self-employed? Or looking at growing an existing business?

Running your own business is increasingly popular in the UK with Office of National Statistics data showing that more than 4 million people – 14 per cent of those who work – are already self-employed, a number and proportion that have been steadily increasing in recent years.

Many more will be also be considering franchising as an option and will be exploring this route at a major national franchise event, The British Franchise Exhibition, which is taking place at Manchester Central on 21 & 22 June 2013.

Visitors will be able to find out all they need to know about franchising from the event.

They will discover the many opportunities available from the wide range of businesses exhibiting, gaining valuable information and insight from the various seminars, and all the financial and career advice from the experts. All these free features can provide the answers to key questions.

Whatever their skill, interest or budget, there is a franchise to suit and many franchise businesses will be at this event. There will be an extensive choice of businesses covering sectors such as property, home care, food and drink, retail and technology. Among the exhibitors offering exciting opportunities will be major names such as McDonald’s, Plug and Play, Platinum Property Partners and Dublcheck. The British Franchise Exhibition allows ambitious entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities with these big brands under one roof, as well as to receive valuable advice and guidance.

The ever popular seminars at the conference are a superb way to learn from experts.

The comprehensive programme includes introductory seminars as well as addressing specific interests such as high level investments. They are hosted and delivered by advisors from the British Franchise Association (bfa) and various franchise businesses.

A popular feature at the event is Real Franchise Stories where visitors can gain insightful first-hand views on what it is really like to be a franchisee. Each session will include franchisees from a range of companies and sectors, sharing their own experiences including their successes and the challenges.

McDonald’s is hosting a series of Open Sessions exclusively at The British Franchise Exhibition. This is a great chance to meet with staff at the international renowned brand and gain a unique insight into its franchise programme. McDonald’s is looking for hard-working franchisees, in particular women, who have a hands-on approach in running a customer-orientated business.

The Finance Clinic offers a panel of experts who can advise on how best to raise funds and how to fulfil the banks’ lending criteria. Visitors will also benefit from meeting with advisors at The Careers Clinic to discuss their options and create a clear, focused and realistic career plan.

The enjoyable Children’s Activity Centre is a great help for any visitors wishing to bring young family members.

Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of the event, says

“Becoming self-employed is an option that appeals to many and franchising allows people the freedom to do this, coupled with the support of an established brand.”

The British Franchise Exhibition is the only exhibition in the North West that has been accredited by the British Franchise Association (bfa). This means that all exhibitors have followed the bfa’s code of ethics, so visitors can have full confidence in the businesses at the event.

To register for The British Franchise Exhibition, call +44 (0)844 257 8668 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk. Admission on the door is £10, however visitors can gain FREE admission by using the promotional code DD when they register on the website.

The British Franchise Exhibition is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 21 June and 4pm on Saturday 22 June 2013.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Ward .