Franchising has grown considerably in the UK over recent years and the contribution of franchising to the UK economy is now calculated to be £15.1 billion, an increase of 46% over the past 10 years. Additionally, the number of franchisee-owned businesses in the UK has increased by 14% in two years, to 44,2001 . As such, more and more people are leaving the 9-5 in exchange for a more entrepreneurial career, which is seen to offer better benefits and greater support than start-ups.
This September, the largest UK franchise event - The National Franchise Exhibition, will bring together over one hundred iconic franchise brands, including Anytime Fitness, McDonald’s, Bo Concept and Millie’s Cookies. Franchisees and franchisors alike will head to the event, which promises to be the most interactive show yet. Brands will provide live demonstrations, challenges for visitors as well as providing essential support for anyone who aspires to build and develop a successful company.
The exhibition is exclusively supported by franchise industry regulator, the British Franchise Association (bfa), who will be offering free advice, as well as hosting a number of informative franchising panel sessions.
Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive, British Franchise Association comments, “For anyone in and around Birmingham considering starting their own business or expanding an already successful one, the National Franchise Exhibition is an unmissable event. With impartial advice from the bfa and a host of experts at hand to answer any and every query, it’s the perfect platform to begin or continue your journey through the dynamic and diverse world of franchising.”
The exhibition caters for all attendees whatever stage they are at in their franchise journey. All budgets and interests are extensively catered for from a franchisee point of view: ranging from the Low Cost showcase to the VIP experience. Visitors can explore a wide range of sectors, including vehicle-based brands, luxury property franchises, and children’s education to global fast food brands.
Anytime Fitness2, a successful 24-hour gym company with over 90 franchised clubs across the UK, will return to sponsor the event for a second year, and with fast food giants McDonald’s looking for exceptional new business partners this is the perfect opportunity to network. The brand will be hosting ‘McDonald’s Franchisee Recruitment Insight Sessions’ on both days of the exhibition, giving visitors a unique opportunity to meet a selection of the most influential members of the team. Visitors will also have the chance to hear keynote speeches from Pizza Hut UK & Ireland’s Chief Development Officer, John Aizlewood and The Apprentice winner, Mark Wright.
Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Sales Director at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition, said: “There’s no disputing that visiting our exhibition is the best way to research the franchise industry. Whether our visitors are looking to invest in a franchise, franchise their own business, or they are in the early stages of their start up, our exhibitors, speakers and expert consultants are available to guide them through the process.”
Visitors can gain free entry by registering online at http://www.FranchiseTickets.co.uk
1 bfa NatWest Survey 2015
2 https://www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/news/694/anytime-fitness-named-top-global-franchise-2016