Franchising's showcase deemed a huge success

The National Franchise Exhibition and the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference 2008, which was held at the NEC Birmingham in October, concluded with visitors and exhibitors alike commending the exhibition.

Visitor John Armstrong, a fireman from Liverpool, said it was a well-run exhibition with enthusiastic exhibitors. "I have picked up some really useful ideas. The marketing support package of a number of these businesses are particularly appealing," he said.

James Gower, an office manager from Leamington Spa, was also very positive about the exhibition, saying: "I have found The National Franchise Exhibition to be a useful and thought-provoking exhibition, which has provided me with a number of ideas to take away to follow up, helping me pursue my goal of setting up my own business."

Exhibitors were also equally as positive.

Electrical contracting organisation Mr Electric signed three new franchisees at the event, much to the delight of managing director Clive Houlston. "Welcoming a new franchisee on board after just one day at The National Franchise Exhibition proves that interested parties are wising up to the fact that franchising with Mr Electric is an extremely viable way to secure a new business venture. Even taking into consideration the current economic conditions, it's certainly not all 'doom and gloom' for those wanting to become their own boss, as we offer expert advice and support within our tried and tested model."

Alex Waite, recruitment manager for Dream Doors, said the event had generated many strong leads. "We have met a large number of serious and well informed potential franchisees this year at The National Franchise Exhibition. Both days have far exceeded our expectations."

A variety of new businesses were exhibiting for the first time, including international ventures such as the Sankalp chain of Indian restaurants. Sujal Mody, Sankalp's director of international projects, commented: "While starting our journey from India for The National Franchise Exhibition, we were slightly sceptical as to how people at the exhibition would accept us, but we were really happy with the response we received. Being the only exhibitors from India was a privilege. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole team behind the exhibition who have supported us during our time at the show."

Sarah Cressall, managing director of The Creation Station, said her business had enjoyed an "incredible" two days. "The level of interest in our children's activity franchise has been phenomenal and we are excited about following up on our file-full of leads and diary appointments. The level of support we have received from the organisers has been second to none - what a great show."

Supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa), The Daily Express, The Sunday Express and Business Franchise and sponsored by Bartercard, the exhibition showcased a diverse range of franchise and business opportunities.

The information zones proved invaluable, offering expert financial, legal and business advice to visitors. These included the Find Your Franchise Zone, the Exhibitor Presentation Theatre and the bfa franchise seminars. Of particular interest was the Women in Franchising Zone, which presented the perfect opportunity for aspiring female entrepreneurs to gain one-to-one advice on how to run their own business from some of the country's most successful businesswomen. Among the presenters were Josephine Fairley, co-founder of the organic chocolate company, Green & Black's, and Lara Boyle, joint founder of Beauty & the Bib, designers of bespoke baby bibs.

David Tuck, franchise sales manager at exhibition organiser Venture Marketing Group, commented: "The National Franchise Exhibition once again delivered as one of the key franchise events in the UK, providing numerous business opportunities for both visitor and exhibitor alike."

The 2009 National Franchise Exhibition returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 2-3 October 2009. People can find out further information by visiting www.franchiseinfo.co.uk.

Visitors were delighted with the quality and breadth of exhibitors at The National Franchise Exhibition. Here are just some of the effusive reactions drawn from visitors as they left the event.

"I came to the exhibition looking for a potential career change after 28 years in sales and marketing. I've always wanted to run my own business and franchising really appealed as a low-risk way to start. I initially came to look at automotive franchise opportunities after extensive research before the event. The exhibition has proven to be a very efficient way to meeting companies face-to-face under one roof, on the same day. I've achieved all I wanted. Now I will set up future meetings. The National Franchise Exhibition is a perfect way to review potential opportunities and options available."
Mark Zimmermann, head of medical sales team, St Albans

"A very impressive range of diverse business opportunities on show. My time here has been well spent and I will be leaving with some really good opportunities to follow up."
Joe Henderson, teacher, Solihull

"I came here with an open mind to what business opportunities I was looking for. I was initially sold on the franchising concept, as it is a better and safer way of starting a business. I heard that the exhibition was the largest franchise show of its kind, which it certainly is. Talking to the individual franchisees has been a huge benefit to me enabling me get the highs and lows of running a business, something you can only do at an exhibition like this. The exhibition has certainly been well worth a visit for me."
Dave O'Regan, accountant, Cork, Ireland

"I wanted to start up my own business. I came with some specific ideas but was open to new opportunities. This was a convenient way to meet many companies under one roof. My day here has been very enjoyable and invaluable, and I will be leaving with a few good ideas that I had not expected. It's been a very useful day indeed."
Lorraine Mallon, relocation manager, Redditch

"An opportunity not to be missed for any budding entrepreneur out there. My time spent here will really help me kick start my new career direction."
Mark Allies, sales manager, Shrewsbury

"I am leaving the exhibition fully satisfied with a number of useful contacts made and potentially interesting business opportunities to pursue."
Richard Harris, sales manager, Telford

"I've found the range of seminars and conference topics to be extremely helpful providing a range of very useful business advice."
Lucy Smith, retail manager, Chester

"A really useful show packed with a lots of ideas. I am already following up some of the home improvement opportunities with a view to running a second business."
Mr Patel, newsagent, Birmingham

The exhibitors were also thrilled with the quality and volume of serious candidates visiting The National Franchise Exhibition. The following are just a couple of the many positive comments:

"This is the first time we have exhibited at this exhibition, and we have used our presence here to launch our rebranded Dietcare franchise and seriously market our business. By 11.30am on the first day, we had 52 enquires, and the stand was always busy. There were serious enquiries from budding franchisees and we were delighted with the quality of the response. The visitors came from all over the country - we had enquiries from Northern Ireland, Scotland and down to Exeter. The exhibition press office was particularly helpful both prior to and during the show and generated national publicity for the Dietcare brand working alongside our PR operation."
Norah Lane, CEO, Dietcare

"The Birmingham show is our major annual showcase event and there was no gloom and doom on a stand which took many quality enquiries throughout the two days. This could be the best show ever for us."
Clive Houlston, managing director, Mr Electric/Aireserv