There’s just one day to go until the 2023 edition of The National Franchise Exhibition takes place in Birmingham. This two-day annual event caters for both existing franchisees, as well as those keen to make the jump from employee to business owner.
According to a recent report published by Oracle Netsuite, and titled ‘State of Entrepreneurship’, approximately 85% of the UK workforce is keen to run their own business. However, making that transformation from one side of the fence to the other can be an intimidating challenge.
That is why budding entrepreneurs should make every attempt to visit the National Exhibition Centre next month to learn about the benefits of joining the UK’s franchising community. Taking place on Friday, October 6th and Saturday, October 7th, this two-day business fest includes numerous seminars and talks.
The event is exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association (BFA) who are delivering a series of seminars, two of which are called: ‘An introduction to franchising’ and ‘How to evaluate franchise opportunities’.
Attendees will have an opportunity to meet members of more than 100 prominent franchise brands, including Anytime Fitness, Black Sheep Coffee, Dyno-Rod, easyStorage, Subway and Home Instead.
The especially-erected International Franchise Pavilion will showcase overseas brands looking to expand into the UK. These include Crayola, Duck Donuts, as well as Funk Coffee + Food.
Among the keynote speakers are Steph Hedger, Paul Dobson and Dan Archer. Steph Hedger, who is Director of Development & Leasing at global sandwich company Subway, will discuss how her team has transformed one of franchise’s ‘sleeping giants.’
On day one of the exhibition, Paul Dobson – the Franchise & Wholesale Director at retailers Morrisons Daily – will talk about the role played by the company’s entrepreneurial franchisees.
Dan Archer, the UK’s chief executive of Visiting Angels, will give a keynote presentation on Saturday. Dan has been part of the franchising sector for two decades, and most recently launched the home care branch of Visiting Angels in the UK. Among his many achievements is growing the Visiting Angels’ brand, which has launched over 50 locations during the last five years.
Over the two days, there will be more than 50 free-to-attend educational talks, which will cover all aspects of franchising. There will be numerous Q&A sessions, while franchise owners will offer detailed advice about running businesses.
Business masterclasses will address topics such as sales fundamentals, and how to create enthusiasm within an organisation. These sessions will also advise on how to cultivate interest in the local community.
Specialist lawyers and franchise consultants will offer complimentary one-to-one advice throughout the event. HSBC and NGI Franchise Funding will offer funding advice; Beyond Corporate and Hamilton Pratt provide the legal expertise; while the BFA will be ready to give impartial guidance on all aspects of franchising.
Existing franchisees that are looking to expand their businesses are advised to attend the Multi-unit Franchise Conference & Networking Lunch on Friday. Jointly-sponsored by Summa Franchise Consulting, Akerman and ProfitKeeper, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn about the ‘dos and don’ts’ of building a multi-unit portfolio.
Tracy Shah, managing director of Venture Marketing Group, commented: “Once again, we’re looking forward to bringing together entrepreneurs and prominent franchise brands at The National Franchise Exhibition.
“This event will house everything a prospective business owner requires in order to initiate their journey into entrepreneurship. There is an array of expert guidance, and all under one roof too.”
Pre-book your tickets for free entry. For more information, click here.
