Many successful entrepreneurs start their venture at a show

Of the hundreds of franchisees running successful businesses, many will have started out on their venture with a visit to a franchise exhibition.

These high profile events, including this month's British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London, feature a variety of investment opportunities, informative seminars and conferences, and are attended by the industry's leading experts who can advise on important issues such as finance and legal matters.

Proven over the years to be more successful than other business start ups, franchising encompasses a broad range of industry sectors, with business opportunities available to suit all skills, interests and budgets.
Anyone planning a visit should give some thought to what they want to get out of exhibition, says Mike Seaman, franchise portfolio manager for Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The British & International Franchise Exhibition.

He said: "Budding business owners should try to dedicate some time to really think about their goals and the possible franchise outlets best suited to them, regardless of how basic or advanced their knowledge of the business model may be."

Endorsed by the British Franchise Association (bfa), the event will showcase more than 100 local and international franchise companies, including Architectural Services, Cash Generator, Hire a Hubby, McDonald's, Furniture Clinic, Snappy Snaps, Oven Clean, and gas-elec.

An extensive seminar and conference programme will run throughout the two days, covering key topics such as management in franchising, high level investment franchise opportunities, buying a franchise resale, and opportunities for women in franchising. Speaking at the event will be business leaders from some of the leading global brands, and former government spokesperson and current bfa President Sir Bernard Ingham.

Visitors should also ensure they take advantage of the special features at the event, such as the Franchise Starting Point, aimed at helping newcomers to plan their best route around the event, with business consultants, lawyers, bankers and franchisors available for one-on-one chats, and the Franchisee Panel, an interactive session where visitors get to quiz franchisees on the realities of franchising.
 
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 click here.

Tickets cost £13 on the door, but Daily Express readers can gain free entry by entering the promotional code DEL8 when they register online.