The perfect way to exhibit your talents
FRANCHISE exhibitions are a good way to discover opportunities, but it pays to plan your visit.
Mike Billington, a former national account manager at a safety firm, did his homework before going to a show last year.
He researched the exhibitors and shortlisted several to speak to.
Then he and his father — his main investor — worked out they had a budget of up to £60,000.
He says: ‘ If I hadn’t visited the exhibition, I wouldn’t have gone down the franchising route.
‘Once you are there, talk to exhibitors about what you’d be doing as a franchisee. But don’t take a final decision at the venue — take your time.’
Mike is now a Jackson Fire & Security franchisee in Liverpool.
The British and International Franchise Exhibition, at London’s Olympia on January 20 and 21, will feature more than 100 franchises.
The line-up includes McDonald’s, Anytime Fitness and furniture retailer Gautier.
Free advice will be available from franchise finance and law specialists, and the British Franchise Association (bfa), which will run semi- nars outlining the fundamentals of franchising.
Pip Wilkins, bfa chief executive says: ‘When considering a franchise, you need to research the company, the market and your own capabilities.
‘Franchise exhibitions offer a chance to do this, as you can meet the franchisor face to face.’
The Growing Your Own Business Conference, held alongside the exhibition, will offer help to entrepreneurs who want to go it alone.
Speakers and workshops will cover subjects like digital marketing and PR, finance and sales.
To gain free entry to the exhibition and conferences, register online with code DET1 at