The British franchise exhibition

With a wide range of franchisors, expert advisors and a superb seminar programme all under one roof, the British Franchise Exhibition at the GMEX, Manchester, taking place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 January 2005, is the perfect place to find out all there is to know about franchising.

The British Franchise Exhibition is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to start and run their own franchised business. Visitors to the show will meet with an array of well-established franchised companies and assess the benefits of running their own business as part of an established franchise brand.

Franchising is growing rapidly worldwide as a proven way to develop successful new business ventures because it offers ready-made solutions to the uncertainties faced by those wanting to set up a new venture. It is big business, with franchise operations in the UK now turning over nearly 10bn a year.

Over 80 companies are exhibiting at the show providing a superb opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of a particular business face-to-face. Exhibitors already confirmed include: 247 Staff, Agency Express, Bairstow Eves Countrywide, Benjyís, Car Medic, ChipsAway, Dream Doors, Driver Transport Training, Eurotalk International, Fastsigns, Granite Transformations, ICON Business Solutions, Kevin Chin Noodles, Kwik Jet, Lasertech UK, Liquid Lens Europe, MinuteMan Press, Original Poster Company, Plumbfast, Pronuptia Bridal & Mens Formal Wear, Protex Solutions, Signs Express, Star Brite Chemicals, United Carpets, Wimpy International and Windsor Recruitment - to name but a few. In addition, a series of high-profile speakers from the UK franchise industry will be on hand to offer expert tips and advice on how to become a successful franchisee or franchisor.

A further highlight of the exhibition is a series of free seminars run by The British Franchise Association.

Seminars

11:15 & 15:45 Friday and 10:15 & 14:30 Saturday - íAn introduction to franchisingí - for prospective franchisees.

The seminars are aimed at aspiring business owners, new to the franchising concept and will address issues including: the benefits of franchising versus other business formats; what the franchisor looks for in a franchisee; what a franchisee should look for in a franchisor; the size and the expected growth in the franchise market; the initial choice of franchise; the business plan and the finance and how to get it. The panellists are all either BFA affiliated or BFA members.

13:30 Friday & 12:30 Saturday - íHow to franchise your businessí - for prospective franchisors.

The free hour-long seminar consists of a short introduction to franchising as a means of expanding an existing business or developing a new venture.

The Growing Your Own Business Showcase and Conference

The Growing Your Own Business Showcase and Conference profiles companies that offer small business advice and can help take established businesses to the next stage. The showcase will be supported by free seminars, providing practical advice and information on all aspects of growing a business. Speakers include leading advisors, consultants and successful entrepreneurs who will provide case studies and success stories.

To register for the British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester incorporating The Growing Your Own Showcase and Conference call 01280 707433 or visit: