Full potential of multi-unit franchising to be explored at exclusive conference
London’s first Multi-unit Franchise Conference will be held at Olympia London on 9 March 2018, to deliver crucial insights into the lucrative world of multi-unit franchising.
Franchising is recognised as offering many advantages to those pursuing business ownership. The support of an established brand, the tried-and-tested route to launch, operation and revenue, all create a formula for success.
With research consistently reporting that over 90% of franchisee-owned units are profitable[1], it’s not surprising that many entrepreneurs are multiplying their achievements by accumulating further franchises.
Whether the success of one franchise has prompted investment in more units, or sights are set on investing in multiple ventures from the outset, the Multi-unit Franchise Conference serves those entrepreneurs looking to harness the potential of franchising across several operations.
Sponsored by HSBC, the conference brings together senior industry experts with successful multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees to deliver highly targeted and valuable advice on pursuing expansion through multi-unit ownership.
Attendees will learn about every aspect of embarking on and managing a multi-unit operation, including selecting the right mix of brands, funding options available, and the rewards that introducing an international brand into the UK can offer.
Chris Holmes, Chief Development Officer of KFC, will discuss the entrepreneurial spirit needed to be a world-class franchisee, while Kevin Hydes, Chief Finance and Commercial Officer of Tim Hortons UK & Ireland, and former Head of International at Costa Coffee, will share his vast experience of introducing an international brand into a new market.
In addition to advice from senior members of world-renowned brands, attendees will gain invaluable insights from experienced franchise portfolio owners. A panel discussion among four franchise veterans will reveal ways to build and grow a successful collection of multi-unit and multi-brand businesses.
Among the panel members will be Raja Adil, Managing Director of The Adil Group. Raja heads a network of 120 franchises spanning the entire UK and employs more than 3,000 people across his Burger King, Costa Coffee and KFC outlets.
Raja will be joined by three other successful multi-unit franchisees who operate leading brands including O2 Telefónica, Domino’s, CeX and Anytime Fitness – both in the UK and abroad.
Head of Operations at the British Franchise Association (bfa), Emily Price, will join former Head of Franchising and Store Operations for O2 Telefónica, Martin Jordan, to share best practice on managing the performance of a multi-unit franchise company.
Emily will then host a highlight of the afternoon’s programme: a panel discussion on the future of franchising. This session will deliver a lively exchange of ideas and opinions among a panel of multi-unit franchisees all under the age of 30. These young entrepreneurs are revolutionising the franchise industry and already run multi-unit portfolios which count Starbucks, Anytime Fitness, Domino’s and EE among their numbers.
A strong supporter of young people pursuing franchising, Andrew Bratessani, HSBC’s UK Head of Franchising, comments: “The number of multi-unit franchisees continues to grow as business owners recognise that the proven business models, which sit behind established brands, provide an efficient way to scale-up their operations.”
“I am especially excited by the growing number of young franchisees who are capitalising on the blueprint for success that franchise ownership offers. I look forward to hearing from the panel of ‘young guns’ who are forging an exciting path into multi-unit franchising. Their ambition and energy are set to revolutionise the franchising industry and there will be a lot to be learned from their stories.”
Andrew will close the conference and a VIP drinks reception will follow, creating a valuable opportunity for networking with peers and industry professionals.
Tracy Shah, Director at Venture Marketing Group, summarises: “We are delighted to host this specialist conference, which shines a light on multi-unit franchising. The programme brings together professional advice with unique insights from those already leveraging the potential, and reaping the rewards of this approach to business. As a result, attendees will leave with clear expectations, advice and contacts to help them boost their success with multi-unit franchising.”
View the full programme here.
Places are limited at this exclusive conference, and those wishing to attend should book by 2 March to benefit from an early bird rate of just £35 (£115 thereafter).
To secure a place, please call 020 8394 5223 or email Nathalie.Farrugia@vmgl.com
[1] Source: https://www.thebfa.org/about-franchising-the-bfa/
