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This September sees the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski Stadium host the Thames Valley Franchise Show for the first time – an event showcasing over 40 Thames Valley based franchise & business opportunities for sale.
Franchising is widely regarded as a less risky way to enter the world of self employment. The concept allows an individual to use the brand and know-how of an established, proven company – and enjoy a step-by-step formula on how to successfully run the business.
Statistics show that franchising contributes £10.8bn to the UK economy. The robust health of the industry as a whole is backed up by the very low levels of commercial failures. Failure rates for conventional business star-ups are comparatively high.
This is something that the high street banks have picked up on. In this immediate post credit crunch era, some high street banks have set up specialist franchise teams keen to invest in a “safer bet” – and offer preferential banking terms too.9 out of 10 franchisees report profitable business a couple of years into their licence but, like any venture into self employment, it requires careful consideration. Ultimate success depends not only on the actions and efforts of the individual licensee, but also the business decisions made by the mother company.
One interesting aspect is that those visiting franchise events often detect early signs of consumer trends. 20 years ago, visitors to an exhibition would have had seen the barometer point to, for example, fast food chains – such as McDonalds or Domino’s Pizza. 10 years ago coffee shop chains were de riguer.
Nowadays, the pendulum is swinging more equally between mobile service industries to the public (mobile car vehicle repairs, healthy food concepts, structured kids events) and business orientated “white collar” management franchises (business coaching specialists, IT innovations, direct marketing solutions).
The organisers of this year’s event claim that there is a proven, road-tested, ready made business waiting “on a plate” for all manner of career backgrounds and aspirations - and that each of the exhibitors seek a Thames Valley based franchisee.
The event is free to enter, the stadium has free car parking and visitors can enjoy several specialist seminars, running throughout and receive a business start up welcome bag on arrival. Further information is available online at www.thamesvalleyfranchiseshow.co.uk
