Those taking the long term view and looking for a franchise opportunity that can be developed to deliver good returns without involving excessive start-up costs will find plenty to interest them, and of the best places to start their search is the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on October 1 and 2.

Among the 150 or so local and international exhibitors scheduled to appear are a number of businesses offering low-level investment with notable returns, including Belle Casa, Skid Proof, Thebestof, and WPA.

Adrian Goodsell, franchise manager at Venture Marketing Group, which organises the National Franchise Exhibition, said: “The idea of starting your own business for less than £15,000 may sound too good to be true, but with a visit to the exhibition, you can meet some of the many people who are living that dream.”

Geoff Pike who joined health insurance provider WPA with an initial investment of £10,000 says he is experiencing significant success.

He said: “When I sold my business 10 years ago I wanted to join an organisation where I could work independently, while enjoying links with a well known company. I researched the WPA opportunity, and based on their track record of exceptional customer service, decided this was the right move for me.”

The key to finding these types of franchise opportunity is careful research.

Head of WPA's UK franchise team Berkeley Harris said: “People who are serious about investing in a franchise are coming to exhibitions much better prepared, and with a very good understanding of what the business is about, and the fact that joining WPA is a proposition based on long term benefits rather than short term gains.”   

Other companies appearing at the exhibition include McDonald’s, Gautier, Granite Transformations and NBC Bird and Pest Solutions.

As well as exploring individual businesses, prospective franchisees can take advantage of some of the event’s free features, including one-on-one consultations with financial experts at the Lloyds TSB Business Plan Clinic, and the fascinating Q&A sessions hosted by the Franchisee Panels.


Information

National Franchise Exhibition 0844 257 8668 www.franchiseinfo.co.uk

Tickets cost £8 each or £7 each for two in advance or £13 on the door.

Daily Express readers can gain free entry by entering the code BDEE7 when they register online.