Is 2025 the Right Year to Start Your Own Business Through Franchising?
Have you been thinking about taking control of your career by running your own business but don’t know where to begin? For thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK, the answer lies in franchising and the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 is the perfect starting point.
Taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, this exhibition, officially known as The National Franchise Exhibition, is the UK’s flagship franchise event and is exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association (BFA).
This show is more than just an exhibition; it’s a gateway to opportunity. With over 100 leading franchise brands, 50+ free presentations, and a comprehensive programme of workshops, panel discussions, and one-to-one sessions, the event provides everything a potential franchisee or franchisor needs to take the next step.
It is not just for those new to franchising seasoned business owners looking to expand or investors seeking multi-unit opportunities will find it equally invaluable.
What Is the National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham and Why Does It Matter?
The National Franchise Exhibition is recognised as the UK’s most important event for the franchise sector. It offers visitors a chance to learn about the franchise business model, meet established brands face to face, and receive independent advice from trusted professionals.
Because it is exclusively backed by the British Franchise Association, visitors can be confident that every exhibitor has been vetted and meets ethical standards.
In 2025, the event promises to be bigger than ever. Over the course of two days, industry-leading brands will showcase franchise opportunities across multiple sectors, including food and beverage, fitness, education, retail, and home services.
The exhibition is not just a trade show but an educational hub, with seminars designed to explain how franchising works, how to choose the right business, and how to make your franchise succeed.
Who Should Attend the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025?
This event has something for everyone interested in franchising. Aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting to explore the concept of business ownership will find clear, unbiased guidance. Small business owners thinking about franchising their own operations can attend seminars dedicated to expansion strategies and legal considerations.
Investors who want to build a portfolio of multiple franchises will benefit from case studies and multi-unit success panels. Even career changers looking for part-time or low-cost franchises will discover flexible business models that fit their lifestyles.
By attending, you gain direct access to franchisors, industry experts, and financial institutions who understand the franchise model. This means you can ask questions, compare brands, and gather essential insights all in one place.
What Can You Expect from the Talks, Seminars, and Keynote Speakers?
The Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 is built around an extensive programme of free talks and workshops. More than 50 sessions will run across multiple stages, covering every aspect of franchising from funding and recruitment to operational strategies and legal structures.
These sessions are led by experienced franchisors, consultants, and business leaders who share practical advice and real-world success stories.
Some highlights include insight sessions from global brands like McDonald’s, presentations on building million-pound businesses, and seminars explaining how to choose the right franchise. Other sessions focus on topics such as scaling sustainably, profit with purpose, and unlocking location potential.
Keynote speakers such as Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, and Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, will provide inspiration drawn from their own entrepreneurial journeys. Visitors will also hear from senior executives and franchisees representing brands like Anytime Fitness, Mathnasium, Walfinch, Chaiiwala, and Zambrero.
How Is the Event Supported by the British Franchise Association?
The BFA’s support is what sets this exhibition apart. As the only UK franchise event backed by the BFA, the show offers visitors reassurance that every participating brand has been assessed against rigorous standards.
The BFA also runs its own programme of seminars during the exhibition. These sessions include introductions to franchising, guidance on funding and recruitment, and advice for business owners who want to franchise their operations.
By attending BFA-hosted talks, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the franchise model and how to evaluate opportunities effectively.
What Types of Franchise Opportunities Will Be Available at the Exhibition?
The event showcases opportunities for all budgets and interests. Some franchises require only a modest investment and can be run from home or part-time, making them ideal for newcomers. Others involve higher levels of investment but offer the potential for significant returns, including multi-unit ownership or territory development.
Here is a snapshot of the types of franchises you can expect to see:
| Investment Level | Franchise Model | Best For | Typical Sectors |
| Under £10,000 | Home-based and flexible franchises | New entrants and part-time owners | Tutoring, cleaning, travel |
| £10,000–£50,000 | Mobile or small-scale businesses | Mid-level entrepreneurs | Food trucks, marketing |
| Over £50,000 | High-investment storefront models | Full-time business owners, investors | Fitness, retail, care homes |
This diversity allows visitors to compare different industries, investment levels, and support packages side by side, something that isn’t possible through online research alone.
How Should You Plan Your Visit to the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025?
Planning ahead will help you make the most of your time at the exhibition. Registration is free and can be completed online. Once registered, you will receive updates on the event timetable and exhibitor list so you can plan which sessions to attend and which brands to meet.
The exhibition runs on Friday 3 October and Saturday 4 October 2025 from 10:00 to 16:00 at Hall 3 of the NEC Birmingham. The venue is easy to reach by car, train, coach, or air, and on-site and nearby hotels make overnight stays convenient. Visitors can pre-book parking online at discounted rates or use the NEC’s free shuttle bus service from car parks.
What Is the Timetable for the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025?
Below is the official timetable of sessions for Friday 3 October 2025 and Saturday 4 October 2025, rewritten for clarity.
Friday 3 October 2025 Timetable
| Time | Stage/Theatre | Topic | Speakers |
| 10:30–11:15 | Main Stage | McDonald’s Insight Session | Deborah Rudge, Paul Courtman-Stock, Ffion Williams (McDonald’s UK) |
| 10:30–11:00 | Theatre 3 | BFA Seminar: An Introduction to Franchising | Hosted by James Sedgwick with Imogen Clarke (Home Instead) and Kevin Holt (Barclays) |
| 10:45–11:15 | Theatre 2 | How to Franchise Your Business Successfully and Effectively | Nick Williams (Ashtons Franchise Consulting) |
| 11:00–11:30 | Theatre 4 | How to Build a £1 Million Business | Julie Farrow (Walfinch) |
| 11:15–11:45 | Theatre 3 | Choosing the Right Franchise: Lessons from an Ex-Investment Banker | John Preston (Mathnasium) |
| 11:30–12:05 | Main Stage | The Multi-unit Mindset: What It Takes to Build a Franchise Portfolio | Pav Kang & Hardev Kang (Anytime Fitness), Suhail Rehman (Black Sheep Coffee & Home Instead), Natalia Shvarts (Excello Law) |
| 11:30–12:00 | Theatre 2 | Smart Franchise Selection: A Guide to Making the Right Choice | Natalie Ilangakoonge (Jackson Fire & Security) |
| 11:45–12:15 | Theatre 4 | My Journey to Building a Successful Care Business | Joseph Guishard (Right at Home) |
| 12:00–12:30 | Theatre 3 | Franchise Insights Panel: Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Franchise Entrepreneur? | John Preston (Mathnasium), Yakub Master (Chaiiwala), Kieran Smith (Anytime Fitness) |
| 12:10–12:45 | Main Stage | Scaling Smart: Strategies for Sustainable Multi-unit Expansion | Natalia Shvarts (Excello Law), Kevin Hein (Akerman LLP), Salman Qureshi (Subway), Lucy McCormack (Bluebird Care), Tom McEwan (Home Instead) |
| 12:15–12:45 | Theatre 2 | Profit with Purpose – Earning Six Figures While Helping the Planet | Julie Adams (Auditel) |
| 12:30–13:00 | Theatre 4 | Launching Australia’s Biggest Mexican Franchise in the UK | Emily Teh (Zambrero UK) |
| 12:45–13:15 | Theatre 3 | Unlocking Location Potential – Using Geodemographic Tools | Kieran Smith (Anytime Fitness) |
| 13:00–13:30 | Main Stage | Keynote: 7 Secrets for Every Successful Business | Jo Fairley (Green & Black’s) |
| 13:00–13:30 | Theatre 2 | What It Takes to Run a Successful Active Leisure Franchise | Marcus Crossman (Clip ‘N Climb) |
| 13:15–13:45 | Theatre 4 | How to Find the Right Franchisor for You | David Glover (Caremark) |
| 13:30–14:00 | Theatre 3 | BFA Seminar: How to Franchise Your Business | Hosted by James Fay-Sedgwick with Pauline Cowie (TLT LLP) and Alan Wilkinson (The Franchising Centre) |
| 13:45–14:15 | Main Stage | The Care Industry Crisis and the Only Real Solution | Bella Hallam (Visiting Angels) |
| 13:45–14:15 | Theatre 2 | The Online Franchise Revolution – Transforming Mental Health | Caroline Strawson (The Mental Wellbeing Company) |
| 14:00–14:30 | Theatre 4 | How Can Franchising Change My Life? | Phil Harrison (NIC Local) |
| 14:15–14:45 | Theatre 3 | How Can Banks Support Your Franchise Investment Ambitions? | Suki Dehal (Lloyds Bank) |
| 14:30–15:15 | Main Stage | McDonald’s Insight Session (Repeat) | Deborah Rudge, Paul Courtman-Stock, Ffion Williams (McDonald’s UK) |
| 14:30–15:00 | Theatre 2 | Real Franchise Stories | Barney Davis (Caremark), Gary Brumby (Jackson Fire & Security) |
| 14:45–15:15 | Theatre 4 | Why Some Business Owners Fail While Others Make £1m a Year | James Vincent (ActionCOACH) |
| 15:00–15:30 | Theatre 3 | BFA Seminar: What to Consider When Choosing a Franchise | Hosted by Will Strike with Lucy Campbell (Right at Home), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt), John Preston (Mathnasium) |
| 15:15–15:45 | Theatre 2 | Uncovering the Secrets of a Real-life Franchisor | Phil Mowat & Rebecca Newenham (Ashtons Franchise Consulting) |
| 15:30–16:00 | Theatre 4 | Unlocking a Unique Franchise Opportunity in Mobile Phone Retail | Ben Branson (Fonehouse), James Carr (Fonehouse) |
Saturday 4 October 2025 Timetable
| Time | Stage/Theatre | Topic | Speakers |
| 10:30–11:15 | Main Stage | McDonald’s Insight Session | Deborah Rudge, Paul Courtman-Stock, Ffion Williams (McDonald’s UK) |
| 10:30–11:00 | Theatre 3 | BFA Seminar: Essential Guide to the Franchise Recruitment Process | Hosted by James Sedgwick with David Paulson (ERA Group) and Suki Dehal (Lloyds Bank) |
| 10:45–11:15 | Theatre 2 | Is My Business Franchisable? The Twelve Golden Rules | Rob Hall (Ashtons Franchise Consulting) |
| 11:00–11:30 | Theatre 4 | Smart Franchise Selection: A Guide to Making the Right Choice | Natalie Ilangakoonge (Jackson Fire & Security) |
| 11:15–11:45 | Theatre 3 | Low-Cost, High-Potential Franchises That Fit Your Budget | Colin Martin-Weekes (GoCruise & Travel), Andy Atkinson (Leaflet Delivery UK), Mark Horton (Greene King Pub Partners) |
| 11:30–12:00 | Main Stage | The Care Industry Crisis and the Only Real Solution | Bella Hallam (Visiting Angels) |
| 11:45–12:15 | Theatre 4 | Profit with Purpose – Earning Six Figures While Helping the Planet | Julie Adams (Auditel) |
| 11:45–12:15 | Theatre 2 | How to Find the Right Franchisor for You! | David Glover (Caremark) |
| 12:00–12:30 | Theatre 3 | How Can Banks Support Your Franchise Investment Ambitions? | Suki Dehal (Lloyds Bank) |
| 12:15–12:45 | Main Stage | Keynote: Build Your Business, Build Your Profits | Brad Sugars (ActionCOACH) |
| 12:30–13:00 | Theatre 2 | Real Franchise Stories | Ben Aires (More Than Loft Ladders), Julie Adams (Auditel), Arif Master (Chaiiwala) |
| 12:30–13:00 | Theatre 4 | Part-time Pathways: A Flexible Start in Franchising | Franz-Josef Ebel (The Seasons Art Class UK) |
| 12:45–13:15 | Theatre 3 | How to Build a £1 Million Business | Richard Stanfield (Walfinch) |
| 13:00–13:30 | Main Stage | The Online Franchise Revolution – Transforming Mental Health | Caroline Strawson (The Mental Wellbeing Company) |
| 13:15–13:45 | Theatre 2 | Build a Profitable Business Backed by a Proven System | Phil Harrison (NIC Local) |
| 13:15–13:45 | Theatre 4 | Why Business Coaching Works: A Masterclass with the World’s No. 1 Business Coach | Brad Sugars (ActionCOACH) |
| 13:30–14:00 | Theatre 3 | BFA Seminar: Grow Your Business Through Franchising | Hosted by Will Strike with Phil Mowat (Ashtons Franchise Consulting), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt), Cathryn Hayes (Revive! UK) |
| 13:45–14:15 | Main Stage | How to Succeed as a First-time Franchisee | Huw Wardrope (Urban Baristas), Luke Spellman (Home Instead), Steve Jackson (Jackson Fire & Security) |
| 14:00–14:30 | Theatre 4 | Marketing Made Simple: Growing a National Franchise | Rebecca Newenham (Ashtons Franchise Consulting) |
| 14:15–14:45 | Theatre 3 | Choosing the Right Franchise: Lessons from an Ex-Investment Banker | John Preston (Mathnasium) |
| 14:30–15:15 | Main Stage | McDonald’s Insight Session (Repeat) | Deborah Rudge, Paul Courtman-Stock, Ffion Williams (McDonald’s UK) |
| 14:45–15:15 | Theatre 4 | Ask Anything About Franchising Your Business! | Phil Mowat (Ashtons Franchise Consulting) |
| 14:45–15:15 | Theatre 2 | Choosing the Right Management Franchise for You | Cathryn Hayes (Revive! UK) |
| 15:00–15:30 | Theatre 3 | Making Franchising Your Future | Hosted by Andrew Dick with Liam Hobbs (More Than Loft Ladders), John Davies (FASTSIGNS), Natalia Shvarts (Excello Law) |
How Can You Get to the NEC Birmingham and Where Can You Stay?
The NEC is centrally located and accessible by all major transport modes. Drivers can reach it via the M6, M40, and M42, using postcode B40 1NT in their sat nav. There are over 16,000 parking spaces on site, and pre-booking online can save time and money.
For train travellers, the NEC is a five-minute walk from Birmingham International Railway Station, with frequent direct services from across the UK. National Express and Megabus coaches run to Birmingham Airport, where a free air-rail link takes just 90 seconds to reach the NEC.
Accommodation is plentiful. The NEC has several on-site hotels, including the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and the Crowne Plaza NEC, and there are many more options nearby and in Birmingham city centre.
Why Is the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 a Must-Attend Event?
This is not just another trade show; it is the UK’s definitive platform for anyone serious about franchising. With its exclusive BFA backing, its comprehensive educational programme, and its broad range of accredited exhibitors, the event offers unmatched opportunities to learn, connect, and invest.
Whether you’re looking for a small, home-based franchise, a scalable business model, or a high-investment multi-unit opportunity, the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 brings it all under one roof.
By attending, you gain the knowledge, contacts, and confidence you need to take your next step into franchising all in a single weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 free to attend?
Yes, entry is free with online pre-registration.
What industries will be represented at the exhibition?
Franchises across over 40 sectors, including food, fitness, education, property, retail, and sustainability-focused businesses.
Can I speak directly with franchisors at the event?
Yes, visitors can have one-to-one discussions at exhibitor stands and book meetings in advance.
Are there sessions suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Talks such as “An Introduction to Franchising” and “Choosing the Right Franchise” are designed for newcomers.
Is the event useful for business owners wanting to franchise their business?
Yes. Sessions like “Is My Business Franchisable?” and “Franchise Your Business Successfully” are tailored for business owners.
How do I plan my day at the event?
Register online, review the exhibitor list, and use the published timetable to select sessions in advance.
What should I bring with me?
Bring business cards, a notebook, and a list of questions to ask franchisors and advisers.
