Anyone thinking of buying into a franchise should spend some time making sure their chosen business is really right for them, advises the British Franchise Association's client services manager, Pip Wilkins...
One of the key things to do when trying to work out whether or not franchising is the right choice for you is to do thorough research on the different concepts that are available to find the best fit for you.
Visiting a Franchise Exhibition is an important step in the research process of any potential franchisee. You will be able to meet face-to-face with a number of franchisors all under one roof and discuss your suitability to their business.
The industries operating in the franchise sector are many and varied so it is important that you approach your search for a franchise in an ordered and structured manner.
Having so many franchisors in one place makes exhibitions a great place to compare and contrast the facts and figures of each system, franchise by franchise.
To help you weigh up your options, it makes sense to attend one of the free bfa educational seminars which take place throughout the two days.
These seminars give an insight into franchising for prospective franchisees and highlight the route to franchising an existing business for prospective franchisors.
The exhibitions are also a good time to talk to different specialist advisers. There will be bankers, lawyers, franchise consultants and accountants all on hand and greatly experienced in franchising and who can help you to make the right decision.
The next show is the British and International Franchise Exhibition on April 4&5 in the Grand Hall, Olympia, London.
For more information or to order your free ticket worth £13, visit the bfa website at
www.thebfa.orgNational finalistsTHE national finalists have been selected for this year's British Franchise Association's Franchisor of the Year Awards.
The awards are held to celebrate the high calibre of BFA members and honour the industry's outstanding performers.
Applicants are required to show how their business has developed over the past five years.
Entrants can also nominate themselves in two other categories, the Brand Builder of the Year Award, which recognises franchisors that have both supported and added value to their brands during the past 12 months, and the HSBC Award for Enterprise, which acknowledges franchisors that have used creative business strategies.
BFA Franchisor of the Year:
- Autosmart International
- Driver Hire Group Services
- Oscar Pet Foods
- Pirtek UK
- Prontaprint
- Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs
- TaxAssist Accountants
- Urban Planters
Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year:
- Dream Doors
- Molly Maid UK
- Venture UK
HSBC Award for Enterprise:
- Gas Elec Safety Systems
- O2 UK
- Revive! Auto Innovations (UK)
The winners will be announced and presented with their awards at a gala luncheon at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, in London, on May 22.
The full article contains 481 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
