Anyone seeking to increase their franchise capacity, by taking on one or more territories, should travel to London Olympia next month to attend a one-day conference aimed at helping ambitious entrepreneurs.
Titled the ‘Multi-Unit Franchise Conference & Networking Lunch’, this gathering takes place on Friday, June 9th, at the famous Olympia complex, located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (W14 8UX).
The conference is also targeting those with enough liquid capital to invest in more than one unit from the outset. Therefore, this is the perfect place for business people to learn more about the lucrative industry called franchising.
One of the highlights will be a Keynote Interview with Atul Pathak who began his journey 20 years ago when he bought his first McDonald’s franchise. By 2022, he was the largest McDonald’s business partner in the UK, with a network of 43 restaurants dotted across London and Berkshire.
Eight years ago he was awarded an OBE for Services to Entrepreneurship. He employed and managed a workforce of over 3,500 people, and every year satisfied the taste buds of millions of UK customers.
Atul sold his business last year and has since invested in German Doner Kebab and Ben & Jerry’s. He says he wants to hand over these new enterprises to family members when he retires. His wealth of expertise within the sector should provide great listening for anyone attending this one-day conference in the capital.
The conference will explore the challenges and rewards of running a portfolio of businesses, and will feature a number of discussions with many of the county’s multi-unit franchisees. Attendees will learn how best to adapt and evolve, in order to remain at the forefront of their chosen sectors.
Whenever someone attempts to expand their portfolio, across multiple geographical locations or sectors, even the most experienced of business owners will find it a challenge. One of the main difficulties is growing the workforce, or attempting to attract employees in a different region.
During a session titled ‘Leading from the front: How to manage a multi-unit, multi-brand business,’ those on the panel of experts will share their personal experiences and insights.
They will discuss management styles, among other issues, while speakers include franchisees from a wide range of brands and sectors – such as Starbucks, Logiscool, Home Instead, easyStorage, CeX and Miniso.
A second panel will draw on their personal experiences to offer advice on ‘How to stay successful in evolving markets’.
The line-up for this discussion group includes Angelina Mouralidarane, who is the commercial director for the Iceking Group, which is a multi-unit franchisee investing in KFC and Pret a Manger. Suhail Rehman, who owns businesses within the Home Instead and easyStorage networks, is also on the panel.
Angelina completed her PhD, along with other major qualifications, at world-leading institutions such as University College London, Kings College London and St George’s. She practised as a doctor before joining the family business.
As for Suhail, he has been actively involved in the sector for over 10 years. During this period he has built the largest Home Instead operation in the UK, with branches stretching from Ayr to Aberdeen. In total, he employs over 400 care professionals and team members. His team of business experts recently opened the first easyStorage franchise in Scotland.
Tracy Shah, a director at Venture Marketing Group which is the company organising this event, explains: “Multi-unit franchising is on the increase, and it’s easy to understand why. Franchising offers an optimised route to business success, and the nature of its format means this success can be multiplied exponentially.
“The conference combines real-world examples – with regards to multi-unit franchising – along with insights and advice from leading operators. Attendees will leave Olympia with a thorough understanding of why and how they could expand their business empire.”
Places are strictly limited at the conference. Those wishing to attend must contact [email protected] or call 020 8394 5200.
For more information about all aspects of this event, please visit https:/www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/mu-bfel23.
Please note that the multi-unit conference is part of the two-day British & International Franchise Exhibition, which is also taking place at Olympia that week.