Prospects January 2012

As the recessional dust begins to settle, it's clear that more and more people have been turning to franchising to escape the rat race. Either a result of redundancy, job dissatisfaction, or just a deep-rooted entrepreneurial desire, the country is rapidly awakening to the vast opportunities to be found in franchising: it’s one of the few buoyant markets in uncertain times.

The Franchise Show in London is a showcase of the best business franchise opportunities available - ANYWHERE!

With an unrivalled series of seminars and exhibitors, this event is an opportunity for you to achieve what normally takes months of painstaking research.

At the show you will:

• Find information on the franchise industry as a whole.
• Find help in deciding which type of franchise is best for you.
• Find out what will be expected of you as a franchisee.
• Investigate industries that are new, or that you might not have considered.
• Get advice on the wide range of financial options available.
• Have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with hundreds of the best franchise opportunities on the market including over 20 major U.S. brands!

The acclaim which met the Franchise Show’s previous events was incredible, albeit not unexpected. Simon Chicken, Franchise Show Director, says “It’s about the franchise industry in the UK and abroad. Visitors can come and learn about both franchising in general and specific franchises.”

“You’ll see absolutely every type of business represented. Franchising originated in the United States, so it was only a matter of time before more of its concepts arrived on our shores. We’re making concerted efforts to bring opportunities from all across the world, but no-one can help getting particularly excited by American brands.”

Indeed, it’s American exhibitors like Papa John’s Pizza and Church’s Chicken that typify the industry’s most well known food franchises.

“Franchising in the UK is a huge market. More recently we have seen a substantial increase in the Food Franchise sector,” commented Tom Portesy, President of MFV. “More and more potential franchisees based in the UK are looking for specific American concepts that have been tried and tested for many years on our own shores and are looking to develop these for themselves in Britain.”

“Visitors to the show aren’t easy to categorise, because they’re anyone and everyone. But the one thing they all have in common is a desire to work for themselves. They all want to take responsibility for their own business, but the chances are, they don’t want to do it alone. If they think, yes, this sounds appealing, I want to become a franchisee, then there are 150 - 200 franchisors looking to explain their concept to them.”

The Franchise Show evidently has its priorities straight. It wants to bring together potential franchisees with franchisors, a rare opportunity for both parties to come face-to-face, interact, and explore the industry.

The organiser says “It’s about educating visitors about what opportunities are out there, what opportunities might suit the individual. It’s a chance for people to understand the questions they should ask franchisors if they decide they want to become a franchisee.”

Not just an exhibition then, more a master class in the industry. This is probably exemplified best by the seminars on offer. Everyone from fledgling franchisees to migrating franchisors are given the chance to hear from industry experts, who will be speaking on topics ranging from buying a franchise, to expanding a franchise overseas.

Visitor Testimonials from 2010 show

Chris Haines Attendee to John Hayes' seminar

"Clear, concise and well put. The session runs at a very comfortable pace and I heard quite a bit of new information. The sessions really prepare you to do proper planning prior to purchasing a new business. The Franchise Show is a thumbs up."
Evan Fraser Show Attendee

"Fantastic show! So many great brands and new opportunities! I wish the seminar was a half-day instead of two hours. Great job!"
Enrico Catarinozzi Attendee to John Hayes' seminar

"The seminar was worth way more than £25. The conference program offered a great overview delivered by true experts. Along with the many examples offered in the sessions, the conference gave me more confidence to make smart decisions as to how I'll proceed. I had considered several businesses and after these sessions, I have an entirely new perspective. Now I know what questions to ask."