Franchisors in the UK have turned their attentions across the Irish Sea in a drive to expand their operations.
UK companies were out in force to meet the budding franchisees visiting this year’s Irish Franchise Exhibition, a two-day event that took place at the Royal Society Dublin.
Their presence reflects the emergence of Ireland as a key area for franchise expansion. According to John Green, chairman of Irish Franchise Association, the franchising market in Ireland is expected to grow by 12% per annum.
Green’s comments were backed up from anecdotal evidence from the floor. Fiona Fitzgerald, franchise sales and property manager of O'Brien’s Sandwiches commented: “The quality of visitors to our stand was very encouraging and has generated a number of good business leads.
“This year's exhibition was significantly larger than last year with a diverse range of exhibiting companies from across Ireland and the UK," she added.
Some 50 leading UK and Irish franchise companies presented their business franchise opportunities at this year’s exhibition, while industry representatives provided information and advice on how to buy a franchise.
The exhibitors came from a range of business sectors, with management consultancies, recruitment, food and drink, health and fitness, cleaning companies, and confectionery among those represented.
David Tuck, franchise sales manager for the Irish Franchise Exhibition said: “This year saw a much wider and diverse choice of franchise opportunities on offer. The Irish Franchise Exhibition is now a well-established franchise event.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006
