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Visit the UK's flagship franchise exhibition
Discover how you can run your own business with the support of an established brand
The National Franchise Exhibition , NEC, Birmingham 13 - 14 Oct 2017
Quality, accredited franchise brands
Our exclusive partnership with the British Franchise Association (bfa) ensures that all exhibiting brands have been through an accreditation process and demonstrated that they operate a viable and ethical business model. We are the only franchise exhibitions that can offer this assurance!
Over 60 free seminars
A two-day seminar programme covering the fundamentals of franchising. Whether you are looking to invest in a franchise, or you are considering franchising a business, don't miss your opportunity to learn from the experts during a packed programme of presentations, workshops and Q&A sessions. Hear from financial and legal experts, as well as representatives from the British Franchise Association (bfa).
McDonald's Insight Sessions
Attend a comprehensive presentation on the McDonald's
Finance Clinic
Get one-to-one advice on your business plan at the Finance Clinic from the experts at Franchise Finance. Book an appointment and get free advice on raising finance.
Careers Clinic
Want to talk through your career options with an expert? Free, one-to-one consultations are available with Personal Career Management.
bfa Franchising Seminars
Get essential advice from a panel of industry experts including lawyers, financial experts, consultants and representatives from the bfa to help you kick-start your franchise journey.
Motivational Keynote Speakers
Inspiring entrepreneurs and founders of the latest business start-up successes will share the secrets of their growth at the Grow Your Own Business Conference.
Real Franchise Stories
Attend a panel session where you can put your questions to a selection of franchisees from exhibiting brands. Find out why they chose to invest in a franchise and what they have learnt along the way.
High-level Investment Franchising
Discover why certain franchise opportunities require a substantial investment and find out more about maximising your returns during focused panel sessions and seminars.
Low-cost Opportunities
If you wish to invest a lower level of your own capital in a business, explore these brands.
Vehicle-based Showcase
Owning a vehicle-based franchise is a great way to escape the constraints of office life. Take your work-life into your own hands.
Professional Advisers
Free expert advice and consultancy is available from professionals with extensive experience in the industry, as well as those with backgrounds in law, finance and consultancy.
View the full list of professional advisers>>
Growing Your Own Business
Not sure how key business trends will affect your business? Keep ahead of the crowd by taking advantage of free skills workshops, support and business start-up advice.
Franchise Resales Pavilion
A franchise resale is a franchise branch which is already up-and-running. The owner sells the business to a new franchisee, often after many years of success.
Matched Meetings Service
Our dedicated matched meetings
Children's Activity Centre
Enjoy a fun-filled session of arts and crafts with your
TV Advert
Check out our new TV advert for a glimpse of some of the leading brands exhibiting at this year's event.
McDonald's Insight sessions at The Franchise Exhibitions
McDonald's Insight Sessions at The Franchise Exhibitions.
Meet the McDonald's team and find out what it is like to be a franchisee with the iconic brand.
McDonald's will be holding Insight Sessions for prospective franchisees at The Franchise Exhibitions. Hear from the McDonald's team and gain unique insight into being part of one of the world's biggest brands. Learn more about their first-class franchisee training programme - and find out if becoming a McDonald's franchisee is right for you.
Reserve your seat at the McDonald's Insight Sessions at:
The National Franchise Exhibition | 4 & 5 October | NEC, Birmingham
Thank you for submitting your request to attend a McDonald's Insight Session. The team at McDonald's will review your request and will be in contact with you shortly.
Keynote speakers
Michelle Niziol, Founder, IMS Property Group 
Friday 13 October
13:00 - 13:30
A successful businesswoman and self-professed workaholic, Michelle has worked in the finance and property industry for more than a decade.
Michelle was a candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice in 2016 and earlier this year became Vice-President of ARLA Propertymark.
Michelle manages a very successful property portfolio and in 2015 launched IMS Property Solutions and IMS Letting Solutions due to a high-demand for these services from existing clients.
You can catch Michelle's keynote presentation on Friday 13 October at 13:00 in Theatre 5.
Abel Campos, Head of Franchising, McDonald's
Saturday 14 October
12:00 - 12:30
Abel was appointed Head of Franchising & field services for McDonald’s UK in 2016, following a successful 20-year career with the brand spanning operations and franchising.
He joined the business in 1995, progressing from a local restaurant team to overseeing a number of restaurants as a consultant in the region.
Abel worked in a number of national and regional roles throughout his time with McDonald’s, and before his current appointment held the position of director of franchising in the southern region, responsible for ensuring high standards of support and operational excellence across his group.
Abel now heads up the UK franchising strategy, field services and oversees the recruitment of new franchisees.
Catch Abel's seminar at 12:00 on Saturday 14 October
Gráinne McCoy, Semi-finalist, The Apprentice
Saturday 14 October
12:15 - 12:45
With over 12 years experience, Gráinne McCoy is a highly versatile and multi-talented makeup artist.
Her career has taken her from roles with international brands such as Laura Mercier, to most recently collaborating with global makeup brand, Trish McEvoy, and working with A list celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival.
Her unshakeable drive and entrepreneurial spirit saw Gráinne take part in The Apprentice 2016, where she proved that makeup artists can be key business women as she took the semi-finalist place.
Listen to Gráinne's inspiring story in Theatre 5 on Saturday 14 October at 12:15.
Keynotes Over The Past Year
We've had some incredible speakers at Growing Your Own Business recently...
Speakers have included: Abel Campos (Head of Franchising, McDonald's UK), Linzi Boyd ( Founder of The BoB Group), Carol Smillie (Model/ star of BBC Changing Rooms), Mark Wright (Winner of The Apprentice 2014), John Aizlewood (CDO Pizza Hut UK & Ireland), Anil Patel (Starbuck's first franchisee - 23.5 Degrees), Nick Telson (Entrepreneur, DesignMy Night) and Joseph Valente (Winner of The Apprentice 2015), Jason Clark (COO, McDonald's) Steven Bartlett (Founder, Social Chain) and many more!
Watch this space for event updates!
Opening times:
Friday 13 October | 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 14 October | 10:00 - 16:00
Directions:
Hall 3a
National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
Birmingham
B40 1NT
Click here for NEC directions, parking information and map. Call NEC, Birmingham T: +44 (0)121 780 4141.
Thinking of travelling up from London? Visitors can get 25% off their rail fare with Virgin Trains from London Euston direct to the NEC (Birmingham International) in just over an hour! Click here.
Ticket prices:
Tickets will be free of charge if you book them in advance by clicking here.
If you wish to attend on the day and do not book in advance, tickets will cost £15 on the door, unless a discount offer code is presented at the exhibition entrance.
FREE tickets can be booked online up until the close of show.
Click here to book free tickets.
Accommodation:
To reserve accommodation please contact our official booking agents Ellis Salsby on +44 (0)1562 829939 or visit www.ellis-salsby.co.uk.
Book your free tickets
The National Franchise Exhibition
4 & 5 October 2024 | NEC, Birmingham
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The British & International Franchise Exhibition
31 January & 1 February 2025 | Olympia London
Explore the lucrative world of franchising at the only Franchise Exhibition in London supported by the British Franchise Association.
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