The recent British & International Franchise Exhibition, which attracted thousands of visitors, proved there are still a significant number of businesses making profits and expanding within the UK, and many people keen to take control of their future by investing in a franchise.
Held at Olympia, London, the exhibition was constantly abuzz with aspiring business owners looking for their next challenge. Whether made redundant, or experiencing itchy feet in their current position, many people were serious about finding their next career. More than 100 local and international companies exhibited at the event, and feedback confirmed a high quality of visitors and promising business leads.
“We’ve had a fantastic time with people queuing to speak to us,” said Trevor Brocklebank, managing director of first-time exhibitor Home Instead Senior Care. “The quality of visitors has been excellent and many of them had researched us before they came, with some specifically coming to meet us.”
The show’s free seminars, hosted by the British Franchise Association and franchise company representatives, were filled with visitors who were keen to hear from franchisees, franchisors, solicitors, bank representatives and business advisors. The event’s keynote speaker, Atul Pathak, one of McDonald’s UK’s top five franchisees, was a crowd favourite, with many visitors keen to learn the secrets behind his franchising success.
David Tuck, franchise sales manager at Venture Marketing Group, the organiser of The British & International Franchise Exhibition, believes the economic downturn is helping to increase awareness of the franchise business model, which contributed to the resounding success of the event.
“We all know franchising boasts particular elements of security that independent business start-ups don’t, and people are really starting to take notice of that because they need as much help and support as they can get, especially during a recession,” said Tuck.
“People are learning more about franchising and confidence in the business model is spreading to all demographics. The London exhibition produced fantastic results for exhibitors, speakers and the franchising industry, and that’s what the event is all about.”