2019 Franchise Shows and Exhibitions

Originally posted on 11/02/2018. Updated on 08/04/2019.

If you’re considering opening your first franchise or adding to your franchise portfolio, the best way to get new ideas is to meet with other franchisees. So, here are some of the main franchise exhibitions taking place across the UK in the next year:

The Northern Franchise Exhibition, Manchester

Taking place at EventCity in Manchester, the Northern Franchise Exhibition will give you hundreds of new ideas on how you can transform your life by becoming a business owner.

Speak with successful franchisees, get expert advice, learn about the franchise opportunities available in different industries and find out how you can finance your new business dream. For your assurance, every franchisee exhibiting at this show is also approved by the British Franchise Association.

When: The Northern Franchise Exhibition will take place on June 21st and 22nd June 2019. Where: EventCity is near the Trafford Centre and is easily accessible by road, rail or plane. It's only a two-minute drive from the M60 and a ten-minute drive from Manchester's main train stations.

The National Franchise Exhibition, Birmingham

Held in partnership with the British Franchise Association, the National Franchise Exhibition will be held at the NEC Birmingham and will provide more than 60 free presentations. Every brand exhibiting at this show will be BFA-accredited, so you'll be exploring opportunities with brands that have legitimate credentials and proven track records.

The two-day programme will offer workshops, Q&A sessions and talks from financial and legal experts to cover everything from guidance on investing in a franchise to advice from representatives of the British Franchise Association. You'll also have the opportunity to meet with more than 100 franchise brands from a broad range of business sectors such as retail, food and drink, fitness and property. Get to know the teams behind brands like McDonald’s, Kare Plus and Platinum Property Partners.

At the Finance Clinic, you can attend a one-to-one consultation with an expert from Franchise Finance so you can get professional advice on your business plan and the different funding options that may be available to you. The event will also include motivational keynote speakers who will share their secrets to business growth and free professional advice.

When: The National Franchise Exhibition will be held on 4th and 5th October 2019. Where: The NEC, which is next to Birmingham International Airport and just a ten-minute rail journey from New Street Station in Birmingham city centre. Tickets: Entry to the event is free if you book your tickets in advance, or £15 on the door.

The British and International Franchise Exhibition, London

With more than 60 free presentations and one-to-one guidance from franchise experts, the British and International Franchise Exhibition at the Olympia will teach you everything you need to know to successfully run your own business under an established brand.

Meet over 100 franchise brands from a range of exciting business sectors, including food and drink, property, domiciliary care, fitness and retail. Not only can you speak to the teams behind big brands, but also existing franchisees, so you can find the perfect franchise to suit your ambitions, interests and, fundamentally, your budget.

In fact, this is the only franchise exhibition in London that is supported by the British Franchise Association, which means every franchise brand exhibiting at this event conforms to its rigorous standards.

When: This show will be held on 31st January and 1st February 2020. Where: The Olympia is adjacent to Kensington Olympia Station, which has direct links to central London via the District line. Tickets: Tickets for this event are available free of charge when booked online or by phone, or £15 on the door.

Franchise Opportunities, Glasgow

The British Franchise Association predicted that the Scottish franchise sector will be worth a staggering £1 billion by 2020. Head to Franchise Opportunities Scotland where you can network with franchise brands actively looking to expand their business and learn more about the journey to become your own boss.

Get invaluable advice from industry experts including, yet not limited to, lawyers, consultants, financial experts and representatives from the British Franchise Association. There’s no better way than chatting face-to-face and learning from the expertise of people with years of experience behind them.

Also, receive one-to-one advice on your business plan at the Finance Clinic from the experts at Franchise Finance.

The franchise show’s partnership with the British Franchise Association ensures that all exhibiting brands are fully accredited, demonstrating that they offer a genuine, proven business model.

When: The show will be held on 12th September 2019, 11.30am- 4.30pm. Where: This event takes place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. It is located a few steps away from Glasgow Central Railway Station. Tickets: Tickets are free.

The Benefits of Attending Franchise Exhibitions

If you’re new to the franchising world and are still wondering whether you’ve chosen to invest into the right industry for you, attending a franchise exhibition can help you learn more about your desired sector and whether your own passions, ambitions and skills are best suited to this area.

These events are typically informal, as much of the communication is conversational, yet you'll still be interacting with some of the country's most successful franchisors, franchisees and industry experts. Making initial contact with a franchisor can seem intimidating to begin with, as you’ll have no idea about its recruitment process, timescales and expectations. A good franchisor will clearly explain the responsibilities of running the franchise, the skills and qualifications required and the type of franchise culture that you would be part of.

To make the most out of your time at franchising exhibitions, familiarise yourself with the show details before you attend. With a vast array of brands present, it will work in your favour to prioritise the brands you want to meet with most and the seminars you are most interested in attending. Impress brands by preparing for conversations with the brands you want to meet with in advance. This will allow you to ask more in-depth questions and leave with a clear understanding of their business and your compatibility with it.