Review
Northern Exposure
Positive attitude from visitors reflects optimism at the recent British Franchise Exhibition
T
here was a buoyant and positive mood among the thousands of aspiring business owners who visited the recent British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester, with
many of them ready to buy a franchise and looking to finalise their decision. Many exhibitors reported that a lot of the people they met came well prepared, with questions, plans and the right background and resources to be successful franchisees, ready to make a major decision. “They just had to decide which business,” said Michelle Fenwick, a director of Heritage Healthcare, of the well-informed crowd. The event was frequently busy, not only with those ready to purchase but also with many others who were at earlier stages in researching a new career. The seminars, particularly those led by the British Franchise Association and Real Franchise Stories, proved very popular with only standing room left in the theatres and crowds spreading
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Businessfranchise.com | September 2013
into the adjoining aisles. The audience found these to be a great help to their research. In the audience was Peter Azubuike, an IT Consultant, from Moston, Manchester who said: “The bfa presentations were very interesting and valuable, in particular to understand the legal and practical elements. Now that I have this background I’m starting to visit exhibitors and will also come back on Saturday as there are plenty to meet and consider.” McDonald’s activities, aimed at attracting more women franchisees to their proposition, included a dedicated seminar session on Friday, which also drew a lot of attention and interest. The Growing Your Own Business seminars provided valuable insights into what it takes to develop a successful new business. Inspirational entrepreneurs from around the North West and North East shared the secrets of their success. Rob Neill, who has built his Lucky West fashion brand based on design ideas from the
west coast of America, and internet services entrepreneur Mike Owen, both gave fascinating talks that engaged their audiences.
“we travelled five hours to meet exhibitors one place because we believe face-to-face meetings are important”
There were visitors not only from the North but also from much further afield. Chris Wright, a self-employed psychologist, from Horsham, Sussex, came with his father Andy, a corporate business manager, in search of a new business opportunity. Chris said: “There are several options
here so we have travelled five hours to meet them all in one place because we believe face-to-face meetings are important.” The variety and choice of exhibitors at
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