Simon Chicken, event director of the International Franchise Show, gives us the lowdown on what to expect at ExCeL London on October 1-2
Why should someone attend a franchise exhibition?
In a nutshell, franchise exhibitions give you the freedom to find your perfect franchise under one roof.
Following the success of previous years, our visitors have said it gave them an unrivalled opportunity to meet franchise brands face-to-face, giving them the chance to network and form strong business relationships.
Some of our visitors use the show to meet franchisors or providers of franchise support services, having already spoken over the phone or contacted them via email, while others use it to begin their research into franchising.
A franchise show hosts a variety of networking zones and holds numerous seminars, workshops and advice clinics from leading experts in the industry - perfect for anyone toying with the idea of starting up their own business, but unsure of where to start.
What can visitors expect to see at this year’s thefranchiseshow.co.uk”>International Franchise Show?
We’re proud to host Britain’s biggest line-up of franchise brands under one roof - over 250 exhibitors in 25-plus industry sectors are attending in October.
What’s great is that includes some of the best international franchise brands from across the world too, representing over 40 countries. Proven franchise models from the US, Middle East, Italy, Asia, Australia and more are here to find the perfect partners to continue their success around the globe.
In addition, visitors can discover up and coming franchise brands in our new franchise zone, network in our coffee or VIP exhibitor areas, seek expert advice and knowledge in seminars and panel debates and find a range of business services in our new Business Show Zone.
How can a visitor get the best out of the show?
Our new website offers more filterable options to help you find your perfect franchise. We recommend checking out our exhibitor list at thefranchiseshow.co.uk and whittling down a list of the top five brands you want to find out more about.
If you’re new to franchising, attend our seminar theatres and workshops to soak up all the knowledge you can. Even the seminars delivered by representatives of franchise brands will contain generic information helpful to all visitors, not just someone interested in that franchise opportunity.
You’ll also be able to hear from franchise industry suppliers on essential topics like business planning, finance and understanding your legal rights as a franchisee
Can you tell us about the seminar programme and open panel forum?
This year’s seminar agenda has been carefully selected to showcase a wide selection of speakers and topics relating to franchising, starting up a business and growing your business.
For those thinking about franchising their business, rather than investing in an existing franchise, the panellist discussion from The Franchising Centre about how to franchise your business is a must see. Providing you with the opportunity to ask questions of leading industry experts, you’ll be able to absorb knowledge about how to get started in the franchise industry.
McDonald’s seminars are also popular, so ensure you book a ticket and arrive early.
This year’s line-up includes keynote motivational speakers such as Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms and Paul Scully, the minister for small business, consumers and labour markets.
If you don’t want to miss these incredible speakers, preregister for a free ticket on our website to receive the seminar timetable as soon as it’s released.
Apart from franchisors seeking franchisees, what other exhibitors will be at the show?
We have a whole host of suppliers in our Business Show Zone offering a range of business services, including banks, software, ecommerce and financial companies.
These suppliers can offer advice on sourcing the best energy deal for your new business or selling your franchise.
While every franchise model comes with a range of support, our franchise supplier exhibitors are there to give independent advice, so our visitors can make an informed decision.
The event will also host a variety of franchise consultants, media and publishing companies.
A great way to seek advice or explore avenues of promoting your opportunity with industry leading publications, our press area will provide a range of publications so you can find out more about franchising and some of the leading franchise brands
How does someone register for the event?
To register for your advance ticket, simply head to thefranchiseshow.co.uk and click on ‘Free Tickets’. The show is open 10am-4pm on both days. See you there.
10 must-see seminars
The International Franchise Show features an impressive line-up of seminar speakers. Here’s our pick of the best:
1. Have you ever considered operating your own McDonald’s franchise? McDonald’s.
2. An overview of intellectual property. Nicholas Chard, Intellectual Property Office.
3. A robust franchise model - even during a global pandemic and financial crisis. Paul Reynolds and Dominic Hegan, Platinum Property Partners.
4. Why reducing risk is your main role as franchisor. Mark Holland, Bodystreet UK.
5. Why buying a good franchise is such a great idea. Trevor Brocklebank, Rise.
6. The importance of an independent business planning and funding service. Phil Archer, d&t.
7. The biggest mistakes new franchisors make. Ed Brewer, Lime Licensing Group.
8. The changing consumer habits in the fitness industry. Tommy Matthews, Be Military Fit.
9. International franchise development: challenges and benefits. Farrah Rose, The Franchising Centre.
10. Avoiding legal issues while franchising your business. Stephen Thompson, Darwin Gray.
At a glance
Venue:
ExCeL London
Date:
October 1-2
Opening times:
10am-4pm
Twitter:
@FranchiseShowUK
Facebook:
TheFranchiseShow
