How often have you sat at your desk and wondered what it would feel like to 'Escape the 9 to 5' and be your own boss? National Franchise Week is now an established event and is an ideal opportunity to explore the different franchises option available and find out if franchising is the right choice for you.

Sponsored by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, supported by Yell and Sage, and organised by the British Franchise Association, National Franchise Week will be taking place from the 1 -12 of October.

Key dates:

• October 1st - Dublin Master Franchise Conference
• October 2nd- London Master Franchise Conference
• October 3rd / 4th - BFA / IFA International Symposium, London
• October 5th / 6th- National Franchise Exhibition, NEC Birmingham
• October 8th - Sheffield Discovery Day
• October 9th - Walsall Discovery Day
• October 12th - St. Helens Discovery Day

The BFA / IFA symposium is aimed at those who are interested in expanding their franchise business internationally as well as for those who have already brought their system to other regions of the world. Over the course of our two-day programme there will be presentations on the international legal, financial, and cultural challenges you will likely face in establishing and operating your business on a global scale.

The key event of National Franchise Week 2007 is the National Franchise Exhibition. The exhibition offers potential franchisees a great way to not only meet franchisors, but also to see the entire range of different franchises that are available. This is also an invaluable way of being able to do an important part of your research process all under one roof.

The discovery days will take place in different regional locations and are held in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency and local councils. These days aim to give an introduction to the world of franchising as a proven and established way of starting your own business or a growth mechanism for expanding an existing business.

The overall goal of National Franchise Week is to raise awareness of franchising as a successful business model. Franchising in the UK is a £10.8 billion industry that encompasses 781 franchise systems and employs 371,600 people.

For more information on the events taking place throughout National Franchise Week, visit www.nationalfranchiseweek.co.uk