Business Momentum Builds at The National Franchise Exhibition 2025
Published: 13 October 2025
The National Franchise Exhibition made a triumphant return to the NEC, Birmingham, on 3 & 4 October 2025, reaffirming its position as a key date in the industry calendar for both aspiring entrepreneurs and established franchise owners. Bringing together opportunities across 46 diverse sectors, the event once again proved an unmissable hub for education, networking, and franchise discovery.
This year’s exhibitor line-up was a dynamic mix of household names and emerging concepts, from McDonald's and Black Sheep Coffee to leading fitness brands Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness, as well as trusted care providers Visiting Angels and Home Instead. Together, they reflected the sheer range and vitality of the modern franchise landscape.
More than a showcase of business models, the exhibition offered a comprehensive programme of seminars, panel discussions, and expert presentations, designed to equip attendees with the insights and confidence to take the next step on their franchise journey. Visitors praised the event’s supportive and informative environment, with one attendee commenting, “I’ve loved being here. It’s a fantastic setup with so many established franchise brands exhibiting, which makes it easy to explore opportunities with real confidence.”
Exhibitors also highlighted the quality of conversations and genuine engagement. Kara Ratcliffe, Franchise Development Manager at Anytime Fitness, said, “Exhibiting at The National Franchise Exhibition has proven to be a valuable investment for Anytime Fitness. The event gives us the perfect platform to connect directly with potential franchisees and introduce our brand to new audiences.”
Meanwhile, Luke Spellman, Franchise Development Manager at Home Instead, added, “We love The Franchise Exhibitions. It’s a great opportunity to meet prospective franchisees in an environment that encourages meaningful discussions and collaboration across the industry.”
A standout moment of the weekend was the keynote from pioneering entrepreneur Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, who captivated audiences with her talk, “7 Secrets for Every Successful Business.” Sharing lessons from her own remarkable journey, Jo offered practical advice for growth and inspiration for those looking to make their mark in franchising.
Reflecting on the event, Jo said, “It was wonderful to see the message resonate with so many people in the audience. Whether you’re running a gym, a coffee franchise, or selling chocolate, business is business. Events like this remind you of the shared challenges and the strong sense of community that defines franchising.”
Looking ahead
For those with ambitious plans for 2026, all eyes now turn to The British & International Franchise Exhibition, taking place at Olympia, London on 30 & 31 January. Interested in exhibiting? You can contact the team on +44(0)20 8394 5200 or email franchise@vmgl.com.
For more information about what’s going on at the event and to book free tickets, visit FranchiseInfo.
