Get Ready To Go Global At The 2018 International Franchise Show

Held from February 16-17th, 2018, the International Franchise Show in London is the UK's most prestigious exhibition showcasing franchise opportunities from across the country and all over the world.

About the International Franchise Show

Whether you're new to franchising or planning on expanding your franchise portfolio in the next few years, the International Franchise Show will help you get fascinating new insights and expert advice to help you achieve your dreams. These two-action packed days will include dozens of exhibitions, seminars and personal advice sessions, and you’ll also have the opportunity to speak with thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs at this world-class franchise show.

The more people you meet and speak with, the more franchise information you’ll have to make an informed choice. So, whether you’re considering a full-time franchise of a part-time home-based franchise, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Partners and exhibitors

Partners for the International Franchise Show include Total, the Food Franchise, the Business Bank Exchange, and Lloyds Bank, as well as media partners Global Franchise and What Franchise.

The event will include 160 exhibitors representing all major industries, from food franchises like Broccoli Pizza & Pasta to technology brands like Computer Xplorers and accountancy practices such as DNS Accountants Franchise. Each exhibitor will have a dedicated stand number, so you can easily navigate your way through the exhibition, plan your day, and get as much relevant franchise information as possible.

Seminars

The show will also offer 80 seminars where you can get professional advice and answers to any questions you might have about the franchising process.

The renowned McDonalds Insight Seminars will help you discover how to run your very own restaurant business under the world's most famous food & beverage franchise brand. McDonald's will offer four insight seminars, which you can attend after completing a pre-qualification survey online via the International Franchise Show London website. So, if you’re interested in owning your own McDonald’s franchise or another business under a food & beverages brand, this can be a great way to get in-depth franchise information and advice on this sector.

Speakers

Speakers for the 2018 International Franchise show will include Brian Duckett from the Franchising Centre, who will discuss the merits of franchising as a growth strategy for businesses. Marija Markovic of Leathes Prior Solicitors will talk about the legal aspects of buying a franchise, while Clive Sawyer of Business Options will discuss how you can successfully franchise your business.

In his 'If only I knew then what I know now' seminar, Michael Crane of Easycrane Ltd will explain how he started his business with no money, a wobbly desk and an old phone. Fortunately, after years of hard work and determination, he turned it into a thriving nationwide brand with more than 100,000 products serving over 1,000 UK businesses.

Other speakers

Ian Christelow of ActionCOACH will explain why some franchises fail when others make a six-figure income per year, while Matt ONeill from Expense Reduction Analysts UK will provide advice on how prospective franchisees can do their due diligence and start their own franchises. Donna King of HSBC UK will also share essential tips on how to invest in a franchise from a bank's perspective, while Anthony Epenetos of LT Property Consultancy will show you how to find the ideal premises once you've found your perfect franchise.

The franchise show will also include many other influential figures discussing topics such as how to understand your market, guidance on workplace pensions, and how you can achieve a better work-life balance in your franchise.

Research beforehand

Before you attend the International Franchise Show, it’s a good idea to research the franchise brands and seminars so you can get the most out of the event. For example, if you’re considering investing in a food franchise, then it would make sense to attend seminars and listen to speeches from franchises and industry experts in this sector.

With so many exhibitors and speakers, it's always worth making a list of people you'd like to listen to and speak with, too. For instance, some speakers may be geared towards people with little or no experience in franchising, while others may be targeted at long-established franchisees or International Franchise Association members looking for their next business opportunity.

About the venue

The show will be taking place at the ExCel Exhibition Centre on Sandstone Lane, E16 1XL, in east London.

ExCel London was opened in 2000 on a site that was originally a custom house of the busy Royal Victoria Dock. The site also includes over 30 bars and restaurants, half a dozen hotels and 3,700 parking spaces, and has held many other special events such as the 2009 G-20 London Summit and the London Boat Show.

Getting to the International Franchise Show

By car:

This venue is just a 10-minute drive from London City Airport. It’s also easily accessible from the A13, A406 and the M25 and M11, and is outside of the London Congestion Charge zone. Depending on traffic, it's approximately an hour's drive from Gatwick Airport via the A2 and M25, and just over an hour from Heathrow via the A406, M11 and M25s. ExCel is also just a 10-minute drive from Canary Wharf via the A1261 or approximately 10 minutes from Poplar DLR station.

By public transport:

The easiest way to get to this franchise show from central London is to take the Jubilee line to Canning Town, then change for any Beckton-bound DLR train. Alight at Prince Regent, which is very close to the Excel Exhibition Centre's entrance. ExCel is also served by numerous bus routes, with direct routes to and from London City Airport via Bus 473.

For more advice on franchising and what you should research before you sign the contract, visit the British Franchise Association (bfa) website, or browse the International Franchise Association website to learn about other upcoming franchise events across the world.