London calling

Welcome to the 2010 British and International Franchise Exhibition at London Olympia.

The exhibition will provide you with an ideal opportunity to better understand the opportunities available to you, either in investing into an existing franchise brand or franchising your own business.

With the less than accommodating economy putting many businesses under undesirable pressure, we have been fortunate to see franchising step forward from the line and provide some outstanding success stories and examples of resilience.

By no means did this industry escape the recession without affect, but its inherent strengths born from small business ownership and tenacity, combined with big business support, has meant that it can weather the storm better than most.
Therefore, the opportunity that franchising provides to start your own business, but under the support of a larger network, with higher levels of security, is something to be seriously considered.

This tenacious and prosperous industry however, is not the result of luck or good fortune, but the result of many years' development, hard work and dedication to good business practice. A franchise is a partnership between the franchisor and franchisee and both must be committed for the result to be truly successful.

It is vital to make sure that you fully understand the market, the numerous different options and your own suitability. At this exhibition you will be able to see a range of British Franchise Association (bfa) members, from hands-on operations to many management franchises, across many different industries, which require different skills and qualities. You are also welcomed to benefit from the many bfa education seminars, which provide a valuable insight and resource when considering franchising.

Franchising continually proves itself to be a successful and resilient business model, providing further investment in UK plc, increased employment opportunities and further growth in the number of individuals succeeding in their own business enterprise.

The strength of good franchising is reflected in the continued availability of funds for your investment from the major banks affiliated with the bfa, all of which maintain specialist franchise departments and specialist franchise lending.
Ensure you make the most of this exhibition by talking to as many of the franchisor exhibitors and professional advisers as possible. If you are looking to change your future today, or are just doing your research, you will find what you need here. Enjoy the show!

Brian Smart
Director General of the bfa