The need for flexible working is becoming increasingly apparent, with more than half of British fathers wanting a less stressful job in order to take better care of their families. For those struggling to find a suitable role to acquire this balance, franchising offers an attractive solution. The National Franchise Exhibition, which returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 17 and 18 February, is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the £15.1 billion franchising industry and meet with a wide range of leading brands.
Franchising offers you the freedom of running your own business with the security of an established brand. Platinum Property Partners franchisee Liam Gallagher was looking for a change when he quit his job and visited The National Franchise Exhibition in 2014. He said:“I listened to Tony from Platinum Property Partners for 15 minutes at the exhibition and it covered all of the concerns I had. We now have a plan for the long-term future and I am able to spend more time at home”.Three years later, Liam owns a successful franchise and his work-life balance has improved considerably.
The exhibition, sponsored by the number one global franchise Anytime Fitness, gives visitors the chance to speak directly with key franchise businesses and receive advice from experienced franchisees. By following a proven business model, franchisees can avoid the pitfalls that often come with starting a business from scratch. In return, franchisors can expand their network and gain new expertise. There’s a brand to suit all budgets, with children’s arts and crafts franchise The Creation Station, for instance, offering the chance to become a business ownerfrom as little as £6,000.
However, as with running any business, investing in a franchise is a big decision and it’s vital to do as much research as possible. The National Franchise Exhibitionprides itself on being a space where people can gain free, impartial advice and browse business opportunities within a variety of sectors.
The National Franchise Exhibition is exclusively supported by the industry’s sole regulatory body The British Franchise Association (bfa). All exhibitors must pass the bfa’s strict accreditation process and offer a viable business model, offering visitors peace of mind. Experts from the bfa will host a series of educational seminars at the event covering the fundamentals of franchising.
The Growing Your Own Business Conference, incorporated within the exhibition, gives visitors the opportunity to network with peers and learn from industry experts about building and expanding a lucrative business. Top entrepreneurs will also reveal the secrets behind their success in a set of inspirational keynotes. Speakers include Steve Bartlett, 24-year-old co-founder and CEO of social media marketing agency Social Chain, and Angela Enright, founder of online children’s shoe shop Huntleys Shoes.
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, predicts big things for franchising in the UK. She commented:“The franchise industry is expected to blossom in the coming year as more people realise the benefits of franchising. It’s a successful national structure that has the ability to work on a local level, allowing franchisees to benefit from existing brand recognition. It is a powerful mix and The National Franchise Exhibition is a great opportunity to find out how it could work for you.”
Adrian Goodsell, franchise sales director at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of the event, added:“Franchising offers such a wide range of possibilities – there is something to suit everyone. Whether someone wants to be their own boss, or is looking for a better work-life balance, franchising covers the opportunity to do all that. Franchisees can be safe in the knowledge that they will be replicating a successful and proven business model.”
The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 17 and 18 February 2017. Visitors can gain free entry by registering online with code FEP1 at www.FranchiseTickets.co.uk.