BFA hail international exhibition as a 'huge success'

The exhibition, held at the Wembley Conference Centre in London, featured a range of household names, such as Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness, Subway, Wimpy and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Less well-known franchisors also had a strong presence at the event, with services ranging from tree removal to pet care on display. In all, over 130 companies had stands at the show.

The exhibition incorporated the Start and Grow Your Own Business conference, with a selection of motivational and financial experts divulging their advice on how to make a success of startups.

The BFA said it was pleased with the feedback it has received from the event, which was open to its members and other accredited companies to exhibit to budding entrepreneurs.

Brad Fishman, chief executive of Fishman Public relations and a delegate to the event, said: “Despite the current global situation, the focus for the international franchise community was certainly on London for this year’s exhibition, as it is each year.

“No other forum in Europe is as focused and presents so many opportunities for the international businesses community as the annual franchise exhibition in London,” he said.

Clive Brooks, managing director of Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music Schools, also praised the event, admitting that he was amazed at the number of people he had been introduced to.

“We have seen people from all over the UK who all seem genuinely interested and enthusiastic about the franchise,” he said.

Emma Edwards, director of cleaning franchisor Stainbusters, said: “We have seen a really good cross section of potential franchisees form the north to the south coast. A truly buzzing show.”

For those who missed out on this franchise opportunity, the National Franchise Exhibition will be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 12-13 September. The ticket hotline is 01280 707465.