You can go your own way
August 1st 2007 Cleaning-based businesses form a substantial part of the UK's 11 billion franchise market.With application, those looking to be their own boss can build a profitable business in a short time using established brands. With hundreds of franchises under one roof,The National Franchise Exhibition (NEC, 5-6 October) is a good place to start
What makes this type of franchise business particularly appealing is the fact that it doesn't require specialist knowledge, is in an established industry sector and, more importantly, doesn't involve vast start up costs.A selection of leading cleaning based companies will be present at The National Franchise Exhibition, the UK's largest franchise event.
Taking place on 5&6 October at the NEC in Birmingham, the event is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start and run their own businesses.The exhibition will offer visitors the chance to meet a wide range of well-established franchised companies, allowing them to assess the benefits of running their own business as part of an established franchise brand.
The event features over 250 franchises from a diverse range of industries, giving visitors the chance to find a business opportunity that is the ideal match to their interests and skills.
Among the cleaning service companies exhibiting will be MyHome, Living Clean,Maid2Clean, Safeclean, Dublcheck and Countrywide Floorcare to name but a few. In addition, there will be experts from the British Franchise Association (bfa), banks, accountants and solicitors to help guide visitors on the practical issues of franchising such as raising finance and handling legal contracts.
Free seminars A series of highly informative free seminars are being run by the bfa across both days for everyone looking to find out more about becoming a franchisee or franchisor. They will include valuable advice and specific success stories from leading speakers from the UK franchise industry, who are all bfa members or affiliates.The seminars include:- 11.15am & 3.30pm Friday & 10.15am & 2.30pm Saturday 'An introduction to franchising' for prospective franchisees.Aimed at aspiring business owners new to the franchising concept. It will address issues including the benefits of franchising versus other business formats: what the franchisors looks for in a franchisee; what a franchisee should look for in a franchisor; the size and the expected growth in the franchise market; the initial choice of a franchise; the business plan and finance and how to get it.
1.30pm Friday and 12.30pm Saturday 'How to franchise your business' for prospective franchisors.This free hour-long seminar consists of a short introduction to franchising as a means of expanding an existing business or developing a new venture.
Franchise Match-Making Zone The exhibition will once again feature the very popular Franchise Match-Making Zone, which has been especially created to help match up visitors with their ideal franchises. Participants will gain guidance on the most suitable franchise options available at the event according to their level of investment, key interests and location.The Zone will then provide visitors with a bespoke route plan around the exhibition.
Women in Franchising Zone The Women in Franchising Zone, sponsored by Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs is a dedicated area aimed at educating and assisting female visitors considering a new career in the franchising industry.
The Zone will feature a series of free seminars and a networking lunch. Opening with a keynote presentation from TV Fitness guru Rosemary Conley, and featuring Michelle Dewberry, entrepreneur and winner of BBC 1 The Apprentice 2006, the key themes addressed during the seminar programme will include: achieving work/life balance through franchising, breaking the mould alternative franchising options for women and a number of high profile case studies from successful female franchisees.
The networking lunch, to be held on the Friday, will offer visitors the opportunity to meet with existing female franchisees and franchise representatives and benefit from their knowledge and experiences on a one-to-one basis.This lunch is free to attend and open to all female visitors considering becoming a franchisee. Places must be booked in advance of the event by emailing: elizabeth.ashby@vmgl.com
Next Step Clinic A new feature at this year's exhibition will be the Next Step Clinic, facilitated by Franaccounts.This clinic will offer visitors individual advice on the next financial steps to be taken once they have decided in which franchise to invest in.The clinic will enable them to talk to experts from Franaccounts and receive personal guidance on all elements of the financial implications of buying and running their own business.
Appointments at the clinic are free and should be booked in advance of the event by emailing nextstep@franaccounts.com
The Exhibitor Presentation Theatre Visitors will also be able to benefit from presentations given by the founders of some of the country's leading franchise brands, including Swisher, Bartercard and LMI, who will be addressing visitors on the ideas behind their business concepts.
The National Franchise Exhibition and the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 5 October and 4pm on Saturday 6 October.
For more information visit www.franinfo.co.uk For FREE fast-track entry register at www.franinfo.co.uk using the promo code CM1. If you are unable to register online please present this article on the door of the exhibition for free entry. | 
