Hope despite the recession

With 600,000 UK jobs forecast to be lost this year, thousands of people will be looking for their next career challenge, with many interested in the possibility of working for themselves. Franchising, which offers the freedom of self-employment with the security of an already-established brand and support network, is becoming an increasingly popular option as business success figures outweigh those of other start-ups.

The British & International Franchise Exhibition - well established as London’s major franchise event - is returning to London on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 2009 at Olympia. Featuring an array of exciting career opportunities, valuable presentations and helpful experts, the premier exhibition will gear potential business owners up with the knowledge they need to invest in a new venture.

Boasting a diverse list of exhibitors from recession-proof industries such as food and beverage and automotive repair, organisers have confirmed industry-leading names including McDonald’s, Venture Portraits, Kumon Education, Snappy Snaps, Prestige Nursing, Papa John’s and ChipsAway. Bank representatives, financial consultants and solicitors will also be on-hand to offer advice.

London’s only British Franchise Association (bfa) endorsed event, The British & International Franchise Exhibition will only feature franchises that have been bfa accredited in accordance with its code of ethical franchising. This means all companies at the event have proven to be a viable enterprise and reputable company within the industry, and visitors can be confident in all franchise opportunities presented to them.

An event for people with all levels of franchising knowledge, the exhibition will feature a range of initiatives designed to help with the fundamentals of franchising.

A new initiative, the Franchise Starting Point, will provide a complete beginner’s guide to franchising. Incorporating the Find Your Franchise Zone - which helps to match visitors’ goals, budget, skill set and lifestyle with franchises on-site and provides a bespoke route round the hall - the Franchise Starting Point will also boast advisers who can answer questions on anything franchise related.

Complementing this feature will be the popular Franchisee Forum, offering visitors an interactive platform to network with existing franchisees. This is ideal to help potential franchisees gain a realistic insight into the transition and difference between being an employee and working for themselves. The Women in Franchising Zone will once again help to educate and assist female visitors considering a new career by hosting presentations and networking opportunities with successful female franchisees.

The International Pavilion will also be at this year’s London event, featuring a host of global franchise opportunities looking to expand into the UK.

FREE SEMINARS
Taking place on both days of the event, free seminars run by the bfa provide franchising advice as well as highlighting key success stories. Presented by leading speakers from the UK franchise industry, the seminars provide the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to find out about becoming a franchisee or franchisor. 

THE GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE
Held in conjunction with The British & International Franchise Exhibition, the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference concentrates on educating business people about how to take their already-established business to the next level.

Supported by free seminars led by consultants, successful entrepreneurs and leading advisers, the exhibition and conference will provide practical advice and information on all aspects of growing a business.

The British & International Franchise Exhibition, supported by the ‘Daily Mail’ and run in association with the bfa, is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 20 March and 4pm on Saturday 21 March 2009. To register for The British & International Franchise Exhibition and the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference call +44 (0) 870 777 1082 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk or www.sme-events.com. Callers can purchase tickets by credit card for £8 each or £7 each for two or more. Admission on the door is £13.

Olympia is easily accessible by road, rail, air and bus. It has its own dedicated underground and mainline train station (Kensington Olympia).