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The British Franchise Exhibition has moved to June with new features and an enhanced marketing campaign to deliver even better results
In response to exhibitor feedback, The British Franchise Exhibition, held annually in Manchester, has moved from January to June this year. Organisers believe the new timing of the event, which will be held Friday 11 and Saturday 12 June, will produce a better quality event for both exhibitors and attendees due to visitor trends and an enhanced marketing campaign.
"It was the combination of exhibitor feedback and attendee patterns that has led us to move the event to June," says Mike Seaman, franchise portfolio manager at Venture Marketing Group (VMG), organisers of The British Franchise Exhibition.
The marketing campaign for The British Franchise Exhibition has been radically re-vamped with the organisers investing in television, radio, print, online, local and social media campaigns targeting the whole of north England. A new media partner, The Daily Express, has also been secured for all of VMG's franchise exhibitions so the Manchester event will benefit from increased national press editorial coverage through April, May and early June.
Potential visitors will hear about the exhibition through television commercials scheduled to appear on ITV1, Channel 4 and Sky, and through several radio stations. Key online industry resources including Whichfranchise.com, businessesforsale.com, franchise-uk.co.uk and businessfranchise.com will also be part of the enhanced advertising campaign, as well as leading trade magazines and newsletters. The event will also be promoted for the first time on social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Ecademy.
"We're investing heavily in the marketing activities to ensure everyone in the north who needs to know about the event does, and they come to see and experience the diverse range of franchises and expert advice on offer," adds Mike.
The British Franchise Exhibition has a number of exciting initiatives taking place. These include for the first time McDonald's, the world's most recognisable franchise, holding an open day onsite. With a private 40-seat seminar room, two briefings a day and the chance to book an appointment to discuss future career prospects. The McDonald's open day is sure to attract many potential franchisees looking to invest and learn more about the secrets behind the success of the famous family restaurant.
In addition to this, the renowned free seminars will again feature at the event. The Franchisee Panel will return, but this time exclusively supported and promoted by Whichfranchise.com; and a Franchisee Business Planning Clinic sponsored by Lloyds TSB will be launched, giving visitors invaluable advice on securing funding.
The free conference
Based on the success of previous associated exhibitions - The British & International Franchise Exhibition in London and The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham - a comprehensive conference programme with dedicated category ‘tracks' will run throughout the two-days. Featuring presentations run by the British Franchise Association (bfa), Growing Your Own Business keynote speakers, and franchisees and franchisors, all the crucial topics in franchising will be discussed. Tracks will include women in franchising, couples in franchising, hands-on franchises, management franchises, franchise resales and high-level investment.
The bfa will host three seminars a day, delivered by existing franchisees and franchisors; whilst two keynote speakers from renowned franchising brands will feature on Friday and Saturday respectively.
The Growing Your Own Business conference will also feature high profile presentations on each day. Focusing on the most essential aspects of developing a business.
Exhibitors will also have an opportunity to secure a speaker slot for themselves in the seminar programme. A great way to get additional brand exposure at the event and generate more onsite interest from potential franchisees.
Franchisee Panel
A panel of existing franchisees who discuss the realities of franchising and their experiences will take place on both Friday and Saturday. Facilitated by Whichfranchise.com.
Franchisees Business Planning Clinic
A brand new feature area, financial consultants and representatives from the bank's franchising department will be on-hand to answer any questions from aspiring entrepreneurs.
Organisers of The British Franchise Exhibition continue to concentrate their efforts on delivering the most comprehensive and worthwhile show yet. In addition to the innovations being rolled out, the exhibition is still the only Manchester franchise event endorsed by the bfa. This means all companies exhibiting have met the Association's code of ethical franchising.
"The support we have from the bfa is something we pride the event on because it means the quality of the exhibition and the business ventures presented are guaranteed for visitors.
"The British Franchise Exhibition has an established history in Manchester and the 2010 event is anticipated to deliver significant results for all parties involved, whether a franchisor, potential franchisee or business-minded individual looking for advice on growth, expansion and strategy," Mike Seaman concludes.
Derek Rogers, Head of Franchising, McDonald’s UK
"We are delighted to be involved in this year's British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester. We look forward to meeting prospective franchisees at the Open Days we will be holding at this notable franchising industry event. The move to June and the increase in the marketing investment are both positive steps that will make it a bigger and better show than ever before."
Simon Oldfield, Franchise Operations Director, Reeds Rains Estate Agents
"Exhibiting at The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester this summer is an important part of our franchisee recruitment strategy this year. VMG's franchise exhibitions are an excellent way for franchisors to
market their businesses, and the heavyweight marketing support for the Manchester event is sure to draw many qualified potential franchisees from
across the North.
"We feel confident that the event will prove to be highly cost-effective and cost efficient way for us to meet face-to-face with exciting good prospects that we can convert in the near future."
