Franchise industry making money

With countless ‘recession-proof’ business opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, franchising may be one of few ventures that will prosper, despite the credit crunch. With total sales worth an estimated £12.4 billion*, franchising in the UK is big business.

Offering the freedom of self-employment and the security of an already-established brand and support network, franchising is becoming an increasingly popular option as business success figures outweigh those of other start-ups.

Individuals eager to learn more about franchising should attend The British Franchise Exhibition, the North’s premier franchise event, on Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 January 2009, at Manchester Central. Covering everything needed to know about purchasing a franchise - including legal advice, finance and help with contracts - the exhibition will feature proven companies, free seminars and specialised zones dedicated to showcasing the fundamentals of franchising.

Confirmed exhibitors to date include Cash Generator, ChipsAway, Dietcare, Fastway Couriers, McDonald’s, SkinKind, Pitman Training, Blazes Fireplace and Heating Centres, Naturhouse and WPA.

Seminar topics suit all knowledge bases and will provide invaluable insight, advice and case studies. Presented by British Franchise Association (bfa) representatives, topics include An introduction to franchising and How to franchise your business, for prospective franchisees and franchisors respectively.

A Find Your Franchise Zone, which matches visitors’ budgets, skillset and lifestyle with franchises onsite, will feature alongside other specialised areas including the Women In Franchising Zone and the Franchisee Forum.

A vital networking opportunity for aspiring business owners and people looking to franchise their already-existing enterprise, the exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to discuss their options face-to-face with experts, other franchisees and franchisors.

The British Franchise Exhibition is exclusively supported by the Daily Mail and the bfa. The association has accredited all franchise exhibitors in accordance with its code of ethical franchising, meaning each franchise present has proven to be a viable enterprise.

The exhibition is held in conjunction with the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference, which concentrates on taking existing businesses to the next level. Featuring free seminars that will provide practical advice, the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference will feature leading advisers, consultants and entrepreneurs eager to share case studies and success stories from their own experiences. Confirmed keynote speakers include Perry Wilson, co-founder of InsureandGo, who will present The Successful Entrepreneur; and Sara Murray, founder of Confused.com and buddi.co.uk – the world’s smallest GPS personal tracker – who will discuss Tools to Becoming a Dynamic Entrepreneur.

Visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk for more information, tickets and seminar timetables.

*iStock Analyst, ‘UK Forecast to Shed 600,000 Jobs Next Year’, Monday, December 29, 2008, http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/2912572