Those with a plan will find success
Exhibitions are a great way to find out more about any of the franchises you are interested in buying.
but to get the most out of visiting one, make sure you plan ahead. Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the british Franchise Association (bfa), says: ‘A franchise exhibition is an excellent way to assess and research many different franchisee opportunities in one place.
‘You can introduce yourself to franchisors and make very useful comparisons of the various different franchise options in the same sector side by side.’
Mitali Chopra, an Action Coach franchisee in London, says: ‘After researching online, i had shortlisted two franchises, but i hadn’t spoken to executives of either and decided to visit an exhibition at which both had a stand.’
she took a list of questions and issues she needed clarified. ‘At the two stands i also met existing franchisees as well as franchise executives, and it was useful to get a real-life picture of the franchise.
‘After that i spoke to bankers and potential funders, and other experts at the show. i also chatted to a woman who had just started a small business, and that gave me an insight into potential customers for my ACTIONCOACH business.’
Mitali adds: ‘Going about it in an organised way can save you a lot of time on researching franchises. Without a focused approach, you can end up with loads of brochures but little else.’
helen Wood, from the organisers of the national Franchise Exhibition (NEC, birmingham, February 16 and 17) and the british & international Franchise Exhibition (olympia, London, March 9 and 10), says: ‘Meet leading franchise brands and expert consultants. All exhibitors are accredited by the british Franchise Association.’