Aspiring entrepreneurs will benefit from a superb array of business opportunities on offer at The British Franchise Exhibition, taking place at Manchester Central on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 January 2008. As the premier franchise event for the North of England, the exhibition will feature an extensive choice of franchises, expert advisors and an informative seminar programme covering all aspects of how to run a franchise business successfully.

Why consider a franchise business? Franchising is growing rapidly worldwide as a proven way to develop successful new businesses because it offers ready-made solutions to those wanting to set up a new venture. It is a major industry, with franchise operations in the UK now turning over more that £11bn a year.

Visitors will be presented with the chance to meet with a wide range of well-established franchise companies enabling them to assess the benefits of running their own business as part of an established franchise brand. Visitors can also meet existing franchisees to gain a clear insight into the reality of working with a particular franchisor and their business. More than 100 diverse businesses will be exhibiting at the show. As part of the exhibition, visitors will also be able to take advantage of invaluable advice and practical assistance from the British franchise association (BFA) and other experts. Covering key aspects of running a franchise business, from choosing the right venture all the way through to raising the finance and how to go about drawing up legal contracts, this is free advice not to be missed!

BFA FRANCHISE SEMINARS

Taking place on both days of the event, free seminars run by the BFA will offer visitors free franchising advice as well as featuring key success stories. Presented by leading speakers from the UK franchise industry, the seminars provide the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a franchisee or franchisor.  These seminars include:

"An introduction to franchising" - for prospective franchisees (11.00 am & 3.30 pm Friday & 11.00 am & 2.30 pm Saturday); this seminar is 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 franchisor 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 franchise; the business plan; and financing for your franchise.

"How to franchise your business" - for prospective franchisors (1.30 pm Friday and 12.30 pm Saturday). This free hour-long seminar is designed for prospective franchisors and consists of a short introduction to franchising as a means of expanding an existing business or developing a new business venture. A popular feature, visitors are advised to arrive at the theatre 15 minutes early in order to guarantee a place.

FRANCHISE MATCH-MAKING ZONE

The ever-popular Franchise Match-Making Zone helps match up visitors with their ideal franchise, this is an ideal starting point for any entrepreneur starting out in franchising. 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.

NEW PAYE TO FRANCHISEE - THE FRANCHISEE FORUM

New to the exhibition this year this interactive forum will provide the perfect fact-finding and networking opportunity for new franchisees. Consisting of a panel of franchisees and chaired by an impartial leading member of the franchise industry, the panel will field questions from visitors about the process of becoming a franchisee. Taking place on Friday 26 January at 2pm the panel discussion will last 30 minutes, followed by an informal 30 minute afternoon tea and networking session.  Visitors are invited to pre book a place in advance. To register for The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester and the Growing Your Own Exhibition & Conference, call +44 (0) 870 777 1082 or visit www.franinfo.co.uk. Callers can purchase tickets by credit card for £8 each or £7 each for two or more. Admission on the door is £10.