Annie Blinkhorn Editor


Life is a rollercoaster… O


r so the song goes, at least! Firstly, apologies for that Ronan Keating earworm you’ll now have all day (well, at least I


didn’t quote from Black Sabbath or Judas Priest … despite this being a show guide for an event based in Birmingham). And secondly, life may be a thrill ride of ups and downs, but there’s much to be said for pursuing your kicks at the fairground – over, say, for instance, in business. On that subject, take a moment to


catch up with the insights of this edition’s star interview, Piers Linney (of Dragon’s Den fame), who outlines approvingly, the ways in which franchising mitigates business risk. It involves an appealing


analogy of concentric circles; if risk works like ripples, then with franchising you start further out, rather than at the epicentre. (There are other, equally engaging, metaphors; one about missing a boat, but my favourite involves a pantomime horse – as I say, it’s well worth your time… turn to page 19 to read on!) Another encouraging observation Piers


makes is, that like the saying: ‘everyone’s got a book in them’, he generously espouses idea that we’ve all ‘got a business in us’ – if that’s not a galvanizing call to arms for budding franchisees, I don’t know what is! But if the landscape of your business


journey appears more to be an upcoming merry-go-round than a peaceful horizon,


there’s an ideal time and place seek some clarity… Perhaps you’re there right now – at The National Franchise Exhibition (the NEC, Birmingham, 4 & 5 October)? Turn to page 33 for your show guide to the exhibition. Within those pages you can find all the details you'll need to: meet top brands and franchise opportunities; watch, listen and gain advice from educational presentations, panels and clinics with industry experts; and discover more about this tried-and-tested business model. You (probably) won’t board a carousel or walk into a hall of mirrors over the two-day event, but this hot ticket could lead to your fortune being told – and made! We look forward to seeing you there, and wish you the best of luck...


BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116