The Franchise Exhibition, 11 and 12 May, Belfast

Thousands of Northern Irelandís budding entrepreneurs are expected to visit The Franchise Exhibition, which will feature many leading franchise companies at Belfastís Odyssey Arena on 11 and 12 May 2007.

Within the exhibition visitors will be able to visit the Business Plan Clinic, the Networking Lounge and the Starting Your Own Business Zone, which incorporates a two-day conference providing information on all aspects of business and franchising.

Those thinking of investing in a franchise will have the chance to meet face-to-face with directors of leading franchises and established franchisees who can give an insight into the reality of franchising.

There will be a wide variety of franchise opportunities on offer, covering a range of business sectors, ensuring visitors have the best possible chance of finding the business that matches their interests, skills and budget.

Experts from the British Franchise Association (bfa) will be on hand to give advice, and there will be a series of free seminars from industry experts providing a thorough introduction to franchising.

Business Plan Clinic
Visitors will be able to have their business plan critiqued by an advisors to ensure their business receives the investment/support it needs to get off the ground.

Business plans are the essential starting point for all aspiring entrepreneurs and experts at the clinic will be checking each business plan to ensure it has a sustainable long-term growth strategy, a streamlined direction and most importantly that it will impress the bank manager.

Networking Lounge
The Networking Lounge, facilitated by Haybury Marketing, will give visitors the chance to meet invaluable business contacts over a relaxing coffee in an informal environment.

The Starting Your Own Business Zone
The Exhibition also incorporates the Starting Your Own Business Zone. Anyone looking for business advice and services to start their own business, either independently or through a franchise model, will find that the Starting Your Own Business Zone will provide all the answers to their questions. The zone will be supported by a series of free seminars, providing inspirational advice and information on all aspects of starting a business.

The opening keynote address titled: íEntrepreneurship - born or bred?í will be presented by Steven Giles, Co-Founder of Tickety-moo, the Northern Ireland-based luxury ice-cream company. Steven, an aircraft engineer by trade decided to give up his job, move back to his familyís farm in Northern Ireland and join forces with his brother to farm jersey cows.

After much research into the production and distribution of dairy products in the UK and Ireland, they came across a gap in the market for luxury ice cream. Tickety-moo was born. In his presentation Steven will discuss what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in addition to maintaining motivation through the hard times.

Other speakers at this yearís event include Nicola Bury, founder of Haybury Marketing, who will present a seminar entitled: íAn essential guide to sales and marketingí. Nicola, who has specialised in business-to-business marketing for the past 15 years, has a wide range of international experience. In her presentation she will discuss why marketing is essential for a business and how companies can decide on a brand image and communicate the message.

Jenny Waugh of Hamilton Morris Waugh Chartered Accountants will present a seminar entitled: íFinding funds for your businessí. Jenny has owned and worked for businesses in other sectors other than accountancy. As a result she has an intimate understanding of the needs of SME owners and the challenges they face in todayís competitive economic environment. In her seminar she will discuss the importance of planning and how to make a business plan more attractive to potential investors.

Other speakers at the event will include leading advisors, consultants and successful entrepreneurs who will provide case studies and success stories.

For a full Starting Your Own Business Zone event programme visit www.start-business.co.uk

Event: The Franchise Exhibition
Venue: The Odyssey, Belfast
Dates: 11 and 12 May 2007
Hours: 10am to 5pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday

To register for The Franchise Exhibition in Belfast incorporating the Starting Your Own Business Zone call 44 (0) 870 777 1015 or visit www.franinfo.co.uk. Callers can purchase tickets in advance by credit card for 5 each or 4 each for two or more. Admission on the door is 7.