British and International Franchise Exhibition
posted on 02-Mar-2010
People are often surprised to discover that some of the most recognisable high street stores and service providers are franchises.
They assume that the outlets of national brands are a chain of managed stores, when in fact many are based on a franchise model.
Visitors to the British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London, on March 19 and 20 have a chance to meet the people behind some of these well known businesses, such as McDonald's, Esprit, energie Fitness, Cash Generator and Snappy Snaps, and explore the investment opportunities that are available.
The event will feature more than 100 local and international companies whose representatives will on hand to discuss the principles behind their businesses and the realities of franchising.
One of the advantages of franchising, compared with starting up a new business independently, is that new franchisees can leverage the reputation of an established brand. And that is particularly the case when the business has a strong high street presence. With many branches in the UK, and some with an overseas presence, they afford a level of visibility that adds strength to the franchise proposition.
The British & International Franchise Exhibition is the only London event backed by the British Franchise Association (bfa), and part of their role is to ensure that all the companies taking part in the event meet their code of ethics.
A free conference and seminar programme that forms part of the two-day exhibition will feature a number of high profile speakers, including the leaders of several famous high street names who franchise their businesses, such as Nick Smart, Hilton Hotels' Vice President for Development UK & Ireland, and Toni Mascolo OBE, founder of Toni & Guy hair salons.
Other subjects covered in the conference and seminars include couples in franchising, women in franchising, management in franchising, successful sales strategies, hands on franchising and Growing Your Own Business; hot topics that many prospective business owners want to get to grips with before they take their next step and invest in the franchising industry.
The British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London opens from 10am until 5pm on Friday, March 19, and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, March 20. For more information or to register call 0844 257 8668 or click here to find franchise exhibition information.
Tickets cost £13 on the door, but Daily Express readers can gain free entry by entering the promotional code DEL7 when they register online.
