Find an opportunity at one of Europe’s biggest franchise expos

The UK still remains one of the leading European countries when it comes to franchising. This year alone major British high street bank, NatWest, made a £100 million loan available to help those looking to invest in a franchise, and the government funded organisation, UK Trade and Investment, has worked with many within the industry to promote franchising brands internationally.

At the end of this month the UK will continue to promote franchising by hosting one of the country's largest franchise exhibition, The National Franchise Exhibition. The British Franchise Association (bfa), an organisation that promotes and regulates the franchise industry within the UK, supports the National Franchise Exhibition, which will feature opportunities from almost 150 bfa approved franchise brands.

During the two-day event, which takes place on September 30 and October 1 at the NEC Birmingham, franchisors from a range of sectors will be promoting their concept. Brands exhibiting include Subway, Bluebird Care, Countrywide Ground Maintenance, Go Cruise, and Ovenclean UK.

As well as featuring a large number of franchise opportunities, each year The National Franchise Exhibition holds a number of conferences, talks and seminars to help those who are new to the concept of franchising understand more about the industry. This year's programme includes:

The Franchise Starting Point – this is aimed at those who are in the early stages of looking for a franchise opportunity and is dedicated to helping visitors find a franchise that suits their skills, interests and budgets. At this area visitors can gain information and advice from members of the bfa team, specialists from leading banks, accountants, lawyers, current franchise owners, and franchisors.

Careers Clinic – a new addition to The National Franchise Exhibition, the Careers Clinic is manned by a group of professionals who will aim to help visitors define their career goals and objectives in order to build a career plan.

Business Plan Clinic – sponsored by leading high street bank Lloyds TSB Commercial, visitors at the Business Plan Clinic will learn all about how to secure funding and receive professional advice on how to draft a business plan.

Franchisee Panel – a popular area at the exhibition, the Franchisee Panel enables visitors to speak to franchise owners to gain an insight into what owning a franchise is really like.

High Investment VIP Lounge – this year will be the first year the High Investment VIP Lounge will be held. This area is exclusively for those with a large sum of money to invest and enables them to meet with franchisors who meet their requirements and interests.

Adrian Goodsell, Franchise Exhibitions Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition, says: "A visit to the show is the perfect introduction to the world of franchising, showcasing the wide range of business available and putting visitors in contact with experts who can help them progress their career in the franchise industry."

Written by Derin Clark