The National Franchise Exhibition 
4 & 5 October 2024 | NEC, Birmingham 

Unlock the potential of franchising at the UK's flagship Franchise Exhibition, fully supported by the British Franchise Association.
 

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.
 

Steve Bartlett 

Co-founder of Social Chain 

In 2014, Steve Bartlett and Dominic McGregor dropped out of university to launch Social Chain, an innovative social media marketing agency which has since experienced phenomenal growth.

24-year-old Steve now heads up a team of over 70 employees who use the company’s vast network of social communities to get any topic trending online in under 17 minutes. The business counts Apple, ITV and Disney amongst their clients and is gaining recognition in trade and national press. 

By speaking at high-profile events and expanding Social Chain into Germany and the US, Steve has established himself as one of the most exciting entrepreneurs of our time.

His keynote presentation, 'Deeper than engagement' will take place at 12:15 on Friday 17 February - book your free ticket now! 

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

FRIDay 17 FEBRUAry

10:45 - 11:45 | An introduction to franchising
For aspiring owners who are new to the franchising concept

• How buying a franchise can change your life – on a personal and business level

• What you should look for in a franchise

• Why and when you should get legal advice

• How to obtain funding and access financial help

Ken Braddock, HSBC (bank)
Simon Pigden, Gateley Plc (solicitor)
Stephen Watson, Agency Express (franchisor)
Emily Price, bfa (chair)

12:00 - 13:00 | Essential tips for franchising your business
How to franchise an existing business or develop a new venture

• What kind of business can be franchised?

• Where to start and gain advice

• Why and how to write a franchise agreement

• How to protect your franchised business and the risks involved

• How to approach a franchisor and the questions you need to ask

• The legalities you must consider if you are buying a franchise

• What the banks are doing to support franchising in the UK

• The bfa's recommended next steps

Ken Braddock, HSBC (bank)
Magdalena Konig, Shoosmiths (solicitor)
Matt O'Neil, Expense Reduction Analysts (franchisor)
Samantha Roberts, bfa (chair)

Saturday 18 FEBRUARY

10:30 - 11:30 | What to consider when choosing a franchise
For aspiring owners who are new to the franchising concept

• The benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch

• What a franchisor looks for in a franchisee and vice versa

• What a franchise agreement is and when you need to use a solicitor

• The importance of business plans and how to obtain funding

David Kerrigan, HSBC (bank)
Magdalena Konig, Shoosmiths (solicitor)
Rod Davies, Business Doctors (franchisor)
Helen Thompson, bfa (chair)

11:45 - 12:45 | Expanding your business through franchising
How to franchise an existing business or develop a new venture

• Where to start and what the main factors are to consider

• The different type of franchisee that will fit your business

• What it will cost to franchise your business

• How to decide on a price for your franchise

Nick Williams, Ashtons Franchise Consulting (bank)
John Pratt, Hamilton Pratt (solicitor)
James Whittle, Aspray (franchisor)
Kelly Blackmore-Lee, bfa (chair)


14:45 - 15:45 | Making franchising your future
For those who are changing their career and considering franchising

• The different types of franchises available

• The advantages of a buying a franchise

• The size and expected growth of the franchise market

• How the banks can help you fund your new venture

David Kerrigan, HSBC (bank)
Magdalena Konig, Shoosmiths (solicitor)
Stephen Watson, Agency Express (franchisor)
Samantha Roberts, bfa (chair)

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.