bfa Seminars for Prospective Franchisors in Oxford

Developing your business through franchising can provide growth that you couldn’t even dream of through the usual organic growth, but it is not an overnight process. It is vital to plan the process properly, get the right professional advice and have the right support and finance in place to see it through. If done properly this could be one of the most successful strategic decisions that a business makes. If you are unsure about whether franchising is right for your business or if you are looking to expand, develop or grow and have considered franchising as a method of doing so, this seminar will provide the clarification that you need.

The seminars will help you to consider whether franchising is right for your business and understand the necessary skills and business culture required to be a successful franchise operation. As well as hearing from both a franchisee and a franchisor to gain their perspectives, you will gain further insight into the finance that needs to be raised and the importance of the franchise agreement; a document that will protect your business and allow you to operate effectively as a franchisor.

Some of the key aspects which will be addressed in the franchise seminars include:

• The franchise agreement – have you seen a proper, legally-drafted franchise agreement, do you realise its size and why it is weighted in favour of the franchisor? And why this gives the franchisee more security
• Funding – which banks have specific franchise departments and what are the benefits of dealing with ones who do specialise in franchising. Many banks do not have dedicated franchise teams which means that they don’t fully understand the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of franchising
• The time and financial commitments – which will undoubtedly be necessary in order to ensure the success of the business
• The advantages and disadvantages of franchising – what you really need to know in a plain and objective manner

Next seminar will be held in Oxford: 29th May 2012 08:30 To 29th May 2012 14:45

About the speakers
The speakers for the seminar have a broad knowledge of the UK franchise sector, having worked with established UK franchised businesses for a number of years. With specialists from the bfa, together with a franchise consultant and a banker, the contributors are positioned to answer any franchising query. In addition guest speakers from UK franchise businesses and established franchisees will illustrate both sides of the franchise relationship.

What is included in the delegate price
Free copy of the book 'How to Franchise Your Business' by Martin Mendelsohn
Free copies of all the leading franchise magazines including: Business Franchise, What Franchise, Franchise World and The Franchise Magazine

Schedule:

9:30 - Registration and Coffee

9:45 - Welcome and Introductions

10:10 - What is Franchising? Andrew Quail: British Franchise Association
An introduction to what, in practical terms, franchising is, and is not, the bfa’s aims, objectives and membership types and the state of franchising.
The Franchisee/Franchisor Relationship
A discussion of the franchisor’s, franchisee’s and joint obligations.

10:55 - What Can be Franchised? Brian Duckett: The Franchising Centre
A look at potential or existing branch networks, job franchises, business format franchises, key criteria and common reasons for failure.

11:15 -Coffee

11:30 - The Franchising Process - Getting Started Brian Duckett: The Franchising Centre
Reviewing the network development plan, pilot operation, operating system and franchise agreement.

11:55 - A Franchisor’s Viewpoint Dave Galvin: Papa John’s
A franchisor talks about the advantages and disadvantages of franchising, income and expenditure and the potential downsides and problems.

12:25 - The Franchising Process - Ongoing Development Brian Duckett: The Franchising Centre
How to market the franchise, recruit franchisees, recruit and train support staff and train and support franchisees.

12:55 - Open Forum Session

13:10 - Lunch

14:00 - A Franchisee’s Viewpoint Sheila Hodgkinson: Molly Maid
A franchisee explains why they chose franchising and the specific franchise they invested in and the potential downsides of franchising.

14:30 - The Franchising Process - The Future Brian Duckett: The Franchising Centre
A discussion on monitoring and motivating franchisees and what happens at the end of the relationship.

15:00 - Raising Finance Tim Bowyer: RBS
Why banks like franchising and what they look for in order to lend money.

15:30 - Is Franchising Right for Your Business?
An overview of the day and a chance to clear up any final questions.

15.45 - Close

 For more information or to book a place, please click here