From the horse's mouth

By: Linda Whitney

A FRANCHISE exhibition is a timesaving way to find out about lots of franchises at once, and the year's first exhibition opens this week.

The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester on Friday and Saturday (January 25-26) includes over 100 exhibitors, so make the most of your time there by preparing in advance.

Think about the kind of franchise you want, so you don't waste time talking about franchises that do not suit you. Choose your preferred business sectors, and whether you want to work from home, a vehicle or premises.

Work out how much you can afford to invest. Bear in mind that banks may let you borrow 70 per cent of the total investment.

Ask yourself if you want a longestablished franchise, such as Chemex, Fastway Couriers or Kall Kwik printing, which all have stands at the show.

If you prefer getting in on the ground floor of a younger business, more recently-established franchises at the show include the smoothie supplier Original Smoothie Company, and the educational franchise ComputerXplorers.

Plan your time. Check with www.franinfo.co.uk for a list of franchises with stands at the show, and details of other events.

'It's also useful to take a list of questions that you would like franchisors to answer,' says Lynne Lister, of the X-Press Legal Services property search franchise.

Once at the show, visit the franchise match-making zone, where staff have a guide to the stands that will most suit your needs..

Take time to talk to franchisors and also to existing franchisees. 'A franchisee can tell you what it's like to be on the business front line,' says Brian Lewis of Cash Generator, the buy-and-sell specialist.

Allow more time than you expect.

'Franchise exhibitions are always very busy and you may find that you will have to visit a stand a few times before someone is free to speak to you,' says Mrs Lister. You can question experienced franchisees at the franchisee forum, at 2pm on Friday (to book email sarah.sweby@vmgl.com).

Plan to take in a free Introduction to Franchising seminar, which includes advice on franchise choice, business plans and financing.

Also plan time to visit the freeentry Growing Your Own Business exhibition and conference, that runs alongside the franchise show.

Speakers include entrepreneurs.

There is also a business advice zone, and accountants, lawyers and small business support services will be offering free information. More details at www.sme-events.com.

Finally, never sign up to a franchise at a show — go home and consider it. 'Don't feel pressured to sign on the spot,' says Mrs Lister.

Advance tickets cost £8 each or £7 for two-plus, from 0870 777 1082, or £10 on the door.

Chemex, Fastway, Cash Generator, Kall Kwik 0500 872 060, Original Smoothie Company 0208 961 6611, ComputerXplorers 01530 513 308,  01204 574 444..



IT'S A GREAT SOURCE OF IDEAS

THE former corporate lawyer Sally Neiger found her X-Press Legal Services franchise at a franchise exhibition.

'I researched franchising on the internet and then visited the Olympia franchise exhibition two years ago with the aim of meeting the people behind X-Press Legal Services,' says Sally, 49 (pictured).

'I was surprised at the variety of opportunities on offer.' As well as speaking to X-Press, she chatted to other franchisors and franchisees on stands, and went to a presentation by a company to tax consultants.

The meeting confirmed her belief that X-Press would suit her, and Sally has now been running her X-Press franchise from an office in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, for 18 months.

She says: 'Franchise exhibitions make an interesting day out and a good source of ideas but to make the most of them, do a bit of research in advance, and go with some idea of what you are looking for.' She warns: 'Don't try to do too much because it can a be a long day.' X-Press Legal Services is looking for more franchisees with £24,500 to invest.

X-Press Legal Services 01925 577 377..