The National Franchise Exhibition

Speakers

Tap into a wealth of industry expertise at The National Franchise Exhibition through a packed programme of 50+ free talks, panels and workshops. Grasp the basics of franchising, learn more about the latest industry trends or discover how to franchise your business.

Keynote Speaker

Anisa Khan
Friday 2 October | 13:00 – 13:30

From solo to scale: A founder’s playbook for growth

Anisa Khan is a bold new voice in British entrepreneurship, founder of viral culinary brand Bombay Pizza and a 2025 finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice. In her keynote, “From Solo to Scale: A Founder’s Playbook for Growth”, she’ll share the lessons behind turning a single idea into a scalable business, from building a strong brand to leading teams and navigating the challenges of growth.

Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis! Book your free ticket to The National Franchise Exhibition and arrive early to secure your spot!


Keynote Speaker

Piers Linney
Saturday 3 October | 12:15 – 12:45

Putting AI to work

Entrepreneur, serial investor, and former BBC Television Dragon – Piers Linney’s CV and business credentials are unmatched. Looking for inspiration? Make sure you attend Piers’ keynote talk “Putting AI to work” and gain invaluable insights from one of Britain’s leading business minds.

Speakers at The National Franchise Exhibition include…

Dan Archer

CEO

Phil Mowat

Managing Consultant

Natalie Ilangakoonge

National Franchise Sales Manager

Ffion Williams

Franchising Recruitment

Neil Martin

Director of Marketing and Edutainment

Emily Teh

CEO

John Blaney

Multi-unit Franchisee

Rebecca Newenham

Franchise Consultant

John Preston

Managing Director

Huw Wardrope

Co-Founder & CEO

Deborah Rudge

Franchising Recruitment and Reputation Consultant

Luke Spellman

Franchise Development Manager

David Paulson

Business Development Director

Marcus Crossman

Franchise Account Manager

John Pratt

Partner

Phil Harrison

Head of Franchise Recruitment

Julie Adams

Franchisee Partner

Steve Jackson

Managing Director

Rob Hall

Franchise Development Consultant

Paul Courtman-Stock

Franchising Recruitment and Reputation Consultant

Lee Parry

National Network Performance & Strategy Manager

Janine Yousef

Presales Manager

Luke Pilkington-Amps

Business Development Team Lead

Melanie Alfieri

Franchise Development Manager

Duncan Colvin

Head of Compliance

Jack Miller

Managing Director

Ryan Hellings

General Manager & Franchise Sales Director

Kevin Haswell

Founder & Managing Director

Anish Panchmatia

Owner & Managing Director

Sunny Singh

Managing Director

David Lixton

Commercial Director

Suki Dehal

Head of Franchising

Alan Wilkinson

Head of Franchise Development

Colin Martin-Weekes

Head of Franchise

Natalia Shvarts QFP

Franchise Law Partner

Nick Tubb

Commercial Director

Ranjit Choongh

Franchisee

Enzo Testa

Chief Executive Officer

Joe Whibley

Chief Operating Officer UK

Sophie Peasley

Associate

Lauren Sumbler

Commercial Manager

Sam Bridgman

Franchisee

Joel Nixon

Corporate Partner

Darron Judd

Franchise Development Manager

Want free tickets to The National Franchise Exhibition?

The National Franchise Exhibition returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 2 & 3 October 2026. Meet the teams behind industry-leading franchise brands and benefit from a packed schedule of 50+ free talks – offering something for everyone!

Book free tickets