With well over 500,000 Brits now employed in franchising across the UK and industry turnover amounting to £13.7 billion, there has never been a better time to adopt one of the UK’s most successful business models. In the West Midlands specifically annual turnover from franchising in 2015 was £1.5 billion, up 15% on the last 5 years.

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC on the 19th and 20th February The National Franchise Exhibition is an essential stepping-stone to turn ambition into a reality offering people an opportunity to meet with hundreds of franchise brands and franchising experts. 

With reports showing more than half of small, independent businesses failing within the first five years4, franchising offers a protected route to launching a successful new business. Leading the franchising calendar, and one of the only exhibitions this spring backed by The British Franchise Association (bfa), The National Franchise Exhibition offers budding entrepreneurs, current business owners and multi-unit franchise owners an exclusive opportunity to meet with hundreds of successful brands from across the UK and globe.

 Adrian Goodsell, director of franchise sales at Venture Marketing Group who organise and run The Franchise Exhibitions comments, “The National Franchise Exhibition opens up the franchise industry to thousands of ambitious men and women. It offers an exclusive chance to meet with world-renowned brands to get advice and see how franchising has successfully worked in the past for others. Additionally, the exhibition is perfect for those who already have an understanding of franchising, but are looking to research the next opportunities available to them and those who are interested in franchising their own business. In 2015 our exhibitions helped hundreds of young entrepreneurs start a new business journey, so I’m thrilled to kick-start 2016 by helping even more aspiring and existing franchisees to follow their dreams.”

Showcasing hundreds of brands from across a wide range of industries such as care, food & catering, cleaning, retail, and property, there is something for everyone. The two day event will also offer visitors an extensive seminar programme, international conference centre, advice clinics featuring experts from the bfa, legal and financial firms business advisers, as well as franchisors and franchisees.