The Franchise Show 24 And 25 February 2012 - Franchises

The Franchise Show
24th and 25th February 2012
ExCeL, London

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 franchises 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 franchises industry as a whole.
• Find help in deciding which type of franchises 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 franchises 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 franchises 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 franchises 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."

By Tube and DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The Jubilee Line is recommended as the quickest route to ExCeL London. At Canning Town change to the DLR (upstairs on platform 3) for the quick two-stop journey to Custom House for ExCeL Station (not King George V).

ExCeL London is located in Zone 3 and London Underground tickets are valid on the DLR. It's recommended that you purchase a return ticket or an All-Day Travelcard to avoid queuing on your journey home.

Trains from Tower Gateway go direct to Custom House for ExCeL.

When travelling from Bank on the DLR change at Westferry for a Beckton bound train.

When travelling from Lewisham take a Stratford train and change at Poplar for a Beckton bound train. Alternatively take the first Bank train and change at Westferry.

For further London Underground Travel Information call +44 (0)20 7222 1234

By Rail

Eurostar

There is easy access to St Pancras International Station, the terminus for Channel Tunnel high-speed rail services.

For further Eurostar information visit www.eurostar.com

Travel by Road

When driving to ExCeL London follow signs for Royal Docks, City Airport and ExCeL. There is easy access to the M25, M11, A406 and A13.

If you're travelling by car you can contact the AA for information on planning your journey and 24-hour live traffic reports. Contact the AA Roadwatch on +44 (0) 9003 401 100.

For a map of ExCeL London's location please visit www.streetmap.co.uk and search for ExCeL London by postcode - E16 1XL.

ExCeL London offers car-parking facilities for over 4,000 cars. It is recommended that you pay for your parking before leaving the centre at one of the many pay points located in the Boulevard. These points accept both cash and card. Alternatively you can pay for your parking at the car park but please note that these pay points only accept payment by card.

ExCeL London is not located in the Congestion Charge zone.