The National Franchise Exhibition

A new year and a new career with a franchise

New year’s ambitions of business ownership can be pursued at The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 13 and 14 March.

A franchise offers a business-in-a-box to anyone with the desire to be their own boss and today there are an estimated 20,000 franchisees in the UK[1].

Rui Pereira became a franchisee of Really Awesome Coffee in 2018 after he decided it was time to move on from a long career in the corporate world. He comments:

“I personally would recommend to anyone who wants to be their own boss, but who’s never run a business before, to consider a franchise. You have the responsibility of your own business and you are in control of your hours, but you also have someone to hold your hand when you need it.”

Rui discovered his perfect franchise at The National Franchise Exhibition, and the event returns to the NEC this spring.

Aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs will be able to explore franchise brands across range of sectors at the event, including fitness, food and drink, care, education, property and business-to-business services.

Crucial in the assessment of which could be the suitable franchise, visitors will be able to enjoy face-to-face discussions with the teams behind names including McDonald’s, Tutor Doctor, Visiting Angels, Really Awesome Coffee, and Ethical Property Partners.

McDonald’s will also host Open Days at the exhibition, where they will welcome ambitious entrepreneurs to a series of presentations from members of the McDonald’s family, all of whom will provide key insights into the restaurant giant’s franchise model.

A Low-cost Showcase will focus on franchises with investment levels starting from under £10,000, while the Vehicle-based Showcase will encompass brands that get their franchisees out on the road and in control of their work schedules.

Importantly, every franchise brand will be assessed and accredited by the British Franchise Association (bfa), providing the assurance to visitors that every opportunity they encounter at the event has an established track record and a proven business format franchise.

Providing a wealth of information and guidance on how to select, set up, operate and grow a successful franchise will be a programme of more than 35 free-to-attend presentations, seminars and workshops.

The bfa Real Franchise Stories panel sessions offer further opportunities to hear direct from existing franchisees, and audiences can pose questions in live Q&A sessions.

Additional valuable guidance is available to visitors through cost-free one-to-one consultations with legal, financial and career planning professionals across the event.

Helen McCulloch, portfolio sales director at VMG, summarises:

 “The National Franchise Exhibition is the perfect place to research franchising, meet bfa-accredited brands, and to access specialist support under one roof. A visit will enable anyone looking for success with a franchise to take well-informed next steps.”

Those wishing to attend the exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 13 and 14 March can book free tickets by registering online at FranchiseTickets.co.uk and entering the promotional code DIA1.

For more information on all aspects of the event, please visit FranchiseInfo.co.uk

[1]Source: 2018 bfa NatWest Franchise Survey