Business Link - 1 January 2003
Is It Time To Mind Your Own Business?
Fed up working for other people? Fancy a new challenge? Then it could be time to start and run your own business. But instead of risking everything on a whim or an unproven idea that could go disastrously wrong, why not consider becoming a franchisee?
As a franchisee, you will literally run your own business with the back up and support of your 'franchiser'. You invest into a proven, successful business formula and, providing you follow a proven system, you can't go wrong.
No unexplored learning curve, no corporate mistakes to be made – your own investment of personal dedication is really all you need to succeed. Thousands of franchisees from Signs Express, Action Bikes, Formative Fun, Puccino's, Kall-Kwik Printing (UK) Ltd and Snappy Snaps, contributing to an annual turnover of more than £9 billion, can't be wrong.
The British and International Franchise Exhibition at Wembley, London, 4th and 5th April, will profile a significant selection of franchise opportunities from the UK and the international market. The exhibition will bring together over 200 franchisers including representatives from a wide range of well-known business concepts and brands, covering everything from fast food to car repairs to business centres.
Free British Franchise Association educational seminars will profile a series of high-profile speakers from the UK Franchise industry offering generic advice and specific success stories for everyone looking to find out more about becoming a franchisee or franchiser.
At 11am and 2pm each day, seminars entitled 'An Introduction to Franchising' will be open to all visitors. The seminar is aimed at aspiring business owners new to the franchising concept and will address key issues including the benefits of franchising versus other business formats; what the franchiser looks for in a franchisee; what a franchisee should look for in a franchiser; the size and the expected growth in the franchise market; the initial choice of franchise; the business plan; the finance and how to get it.
At 12.30pm each day, there is a seminar entitled 'How to franchise your business' available for all prospective franchisers. The hour-long seminar consists of a short introduction to franchising to expand an existing business or developing a new venture.
The Start and Grow Your Own Business Showcase and free Conference (supported by the Federation of Small Businesses).
Following it's successful launch last year, the 'Starting Your Own Business' feature will now become the "Start and Grow Your Own Business Showcase" (www.start-business.co.uk), highlighting those companies who can take potential franchisees to the next stage.
A series of professional organisations from accountants, lawyers and company formation bodies to additional support services will be on hand to help visitors complete their research on all aspects of starting their own businesses. Exhibitors such as The Patent Office, Trade Partners UK, Carrington Accountancy, Clearly Business, businessesforsale.com. The showcase will again be supported by a high quality conference, providing practical advice and information. Speakers include leading advisors, consultants and entrepreneurs who will provide actual case studies.
Topics include:
What does it take to make it on your own?
Taking your business idea to market.
The law: what you need to know in business.
Harnessing the potential of the internet: doing business online.
Identifying and acquiring funding for your idea.
Standing out from the crowd – successful branding and marketing.
In addition, the British & International Franchise Exhibition 2003 will again feature a dedicated International Pavilion Area profiling a range of franchise opportunities from around the world looking to expand into the UK by identifying and interviewing potential franchisees and master franchisers.
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