The National Franchise Exhibition
2 & 3 October 2009, NEC, Birmingham

What happened in 2009?

"It's been fantastic. We've been very busy from the moment the doors on Friday opened to closing time on Saturday. There's been a terrific buzz about the place and, overall, we are delighted with the last two days here."

Speaking as the last of the visitors left the NEC, Birmingham, Terry Mullen, Recruitment Director of Revive captured the atmosphere of this year's National Franchise Exhibition and the thoughts of many who were there.

Along the aisles, on the stands, in the conference and seminar theatres, the many thousands of enthusiastic visitors thronged I'm not convinced this is the right word here as they eagerly looked for new careers among the latest business concepts, and found out how to venture into franchising successfully from the experts.

There was plenty to listen to and see. The five presentation theatres covered every aspect of franchising while there were more than 150 UK and international companies exhibiting, including several from Australia, Russia and Sweden, with franchises to suit every interest or budget.

The visitors came from far and wide, with some new to franchising, others advanced in their future ideas. But even those came away with new surprising ideas.

Phil Seymour from Uxbridge, a sales director in the construction industry, said: "I came here with some specific ideas in mind and companies to research, but I'm leaving with some completely new unexpected strong prospects.  The exhibition gives a completely new perspective of what the industry has to offer.  There are plenty of new ideas here."

Steve Frost, financial services industry manager, from Swindon, found that visiting the exhibition has advantages over other ways of researching. "Coming here is a great way to meet a lot of potential franchisors in one day.  Walking around the show, I've noticed stands that have given me ideas to follow up which I would have ignored in magazines or on the internet." Denis Patel, a sales manager from Coventry, added: "Face to face meetings with franchisors and franchisees here give you a better perspective of a business than you can gain on the telephone or online."

Peter Beal, director of a construction company, Rugby summed up his views: "I recommend coming to this show to anyone looking for new career ideas."

The free seminar series, hosted by the British Franchise Association and representatives of reputable franchise companies, were constantly full. The event's keynote speaker, Tony Sealey, one of McDonald's UK's top franchisees, impressed many with the secrets behind how he built business as well as played an active role in his community.

Another fascinating speaker was Magnus Scheving, the international sports hero and creator of kids' cult TV programme, Lazytown.  He wowed the audience from the start by walking on the stage with a handstand!

Mohamed Ali, a space satellite engineer, from Solihull thought  "The seminars are very helpful in giving an insight into important aspects of franchising," while Phillip Crewe, a retired food industry managing director based in Southwold, Suffolk said: "The seminar speakers are very good."

Many exhibitors new to the National Franchise Exhibition, were pleased. MOT2U Managing Director Nick Pye said:, "We've got far more terrific quality leads than we dared to expect before the show, so we're going to have to increase our sales effort to follow them all up in good time. The response to our concept has been superb.  The organisers of the event have been excellent and very efficient."

For McDonald's, Derek Rogers, Head of Franchising, commented: "It's fantastic to see so many people who have travelled from all parts of the country."

Mike Seaman, Franchise Portfolio Manager of the Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition, believes all the signs are evident that new entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing franchising as a preferred business model.

"The presence and support of three high street banks and the host of new and exciting franchise businesses launched at the event are evidence of how this market continues to defy the current economic climate.  Visitors are learning more about franchising and gaining confidence in the business model through the expertise they were able to receive at the event.   The National Franchise Exhibition produced fantastic results for exhibitors, visitors speakers and the franchising industry - and that's what makes these events so worthwhile."