Franchising continues to be one of the most stable and scalable ways to enter the business world in the UK. And for anyone eager to explore franchise opportunities, meet top franchisors, or learn from industry leaders, the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 is the event to mark in your diary.
Held at the NEC Birmingham, this event has become the go-to expo for entrepreneurs from London and across the UK looking to get into business for themselves but not by themselves.
Let’s uncover exactly what you can expect when you walk through those buzzing exhibition doors.
Why Is the Franchise Show in Birmingham a Must-Attend for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?
In today’s economy, more people are seeking secure, proven ways to run their own business. Franchising provides that structure and the Franchise Show Birmingham is where it all comes together.
Each year, thousands of visitors gather under one roof to explore ready-to-launch franchise models, attend live talks from industry experts, and gain a first-hand view of what’s trending in UK franchising. For many London-based entrepreneurs, it’s worth the train ride to Birmingham just to tap into this vibrant business energy.
Whether you’re new to the concept or already exploring your options, this show gives you the clarity, confidence, and contacts you need to take the next step.
What Types of Franchises Will You Discover at the Birmingham Expo?
Forget dry brochures and endless online research this is where franchises come alive. From sizzling food brands to education, tech, fitness, and even pet care businesses, the diversity is impressive.
Visitors can walk through different franchise zones, where each exhibitor is ready to share their brand story, business model, investment details, and growth potential. You’re not just reading about franchises you’re talking to real people who run them.
Expect big names, rising stars, and some innovative newcomers you won’t find anywhere else. The show is designed to open your eyes to what’s possible and for many, it does exactly that.
Who Will You Meet at the Franchise Show Birmingham?
Opportunities don’t just come from brands they come from people. And this event attracts them all. From ambitious first-time business buyers to seasoned multi-unit franchisees, from legal experts to funding advisors, and of course, the franchisors themselves everyone is there for one reason: to make connections.
Imagine chatting face-to-face with the founder of a high-performing food brand or getting legal advice right there on the show floor. These conversations can spark deals, partnerships, and entire career changes.
The Birmingham show’s national pull means you’re not limited to local franchises or contacts. You’re stepping into a UK-wide business network.
What Keynote Talks and Seminars Should You Look Out For?
You don’t just browse you learn. The seminar line-up at Franchise Show Birmingham is one of its most valuable features. This is where knowledge is dropped, myths are busted, and real-life stories of franchise success (and failure) are shared honestly.
Experts take the stage to break down complex topics like franchise law, finance, and business growth. You’ll hear directly from people who’ve built thriving franchises from scratch and those who help others do the same.
Whether you want to understand how to choose the right franchise or what to look for in a franchise agreement, the seminars are a goldmine of insight. And they’re free with your ticket.
Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 – Complete Timetable
📍 Venue: NEC Birmingham – Halls 10, 11 & 12
📅 Dates: Friday, 3 October & Saturday, 4 October 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Both Days)
Friday, 3 October 2025
| Time | Session Title | Speaker(s) | Stage |
| 10:15–10:45 | Franchising: Recruitment & Development | Deborah Rudgley (Home Instead), Dan Archer (Visiting Angels), Phil Carr (Snap Fitness) | BFA Theatre |
| 10:45–11:15 | How to Know If Franchising is Right for You | John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt) | Legal Stage |
| 11:00–11:30 | How to Finance a Franchise | Emma Hunt (HSBC), Adrian Price (Barclays), Amanda Painter (Franchise Finance) | Finance Theatre |
| 11:30–12:00 | What to Expect from a Franchisor | Karl Sandall (TaxAssist), Stuart Broster (Platinum Wave) | Panel Stage |
| 12:00–12:30 | Understanding Franchise Agreements | Julia Adams (Franchise Resales), David Gilson (Leathes Prior) | Legal Stage |
| 12:15–12:45 | How to Maximise Franchise Sales Through Effective Marketing | Pamela Sissons (Editor, Franchise Sales & Marketing) | Theatre 1 |
| 12:45–1:15 | Women in Franchising Panel: Honest Conversations & Inspiration | Jo Middleton (Dog First Aid), Sarah Cressall (Creation Station), Karen Williams (Puddle Ducks) | Panel Stage |
| 1:15–1:45 | Funding Your Franchise the Right Way | David Glover (Platinum Wave) | Finance Theatre |
| 1:30–2:00 | Understanding Resales: Buying an Existing Franchise | Emily Price (BFA), Caroline McCormick (Franchise Resales), Mike Goddard (Caremark) | Resales Stage |
| 2:00–2:30 | What Franchisees Wish They Knew Before Starting | Panel of Current Franchisees | Main Stage |
| 2:30–3:00 | The Future of Franchising: Adapting to 2025 and Beyond | Phil Munday (Driving Force), Rachael Turner (BFA), Louise Bruce (Big Red Box PR) | Theatre 1 |
| 3:00–3:30 | Legal Insights: What to Expect From a Franchise Agreement | Paul Clements (Sherrards), Michelle Bates (Oculus Law), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt) | Legal Stage |
| 3:30–4:00 | The Franchise Roundtable: Ask the Experts Live | Multiple Franchisors, Legal Advisors & Consultants | Panel Stage |
Saturday, 4 October 2025
| Time | Session Title | Speaker(s) | Stage |
| 10:15–10:45 | Franchise Recruitment & Support: What You Should Expect | Deborah Rudgley (Home Instead), Dan Archer (Visiting Angels), Phil Carr (Snap Fitness) | BFA Theatre |
| 10:30–11:00 | The Legal Side of Franchising | Nick Williams (Leathes Prior) | Legal Stage |
| 11:00–11:30 | Franchise Finance: Building Your Business Plan | Emma Hunt (HSBC), Adrian Price (Barclays), Amanda Painter (Franchise Finance) | Finance Theatre |
| 11:30–12:00 | From Franchisee to Franchisor: Building a Brand from the Inside Out | Karl Sandall (TaxAssist), Stuart Broster (Platinum Wave) | Panel Stage |
| 12:00–12:30 | Women in Franchising: Lessons from the Top | Julia Adams (Franchise Resales), David Gilson (Leathes Prior) | Panel Stage |
| 12:15–12:45 | What to Know Before Signing a Franchise Agreement | Phil Munday (Driving Force), Michelle Bates (Oculus Law), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt) | Legal Stage |
| 12:30–1:00 | Franchising in 2025: Adapting to Emerging Business Trends | Rachael Turner (BFA), Louise Bruce (Big Red Box PR) | Main Stage |
| 1:00–1:30 | Creating a National Presence with a Local Strategy | Emily Price (BFA), Caroline McCormick (Franchise Resales), Mike Goddard (Caremark) | Resales Stage |
| 1:30–2:00 | Real Franchisee Q&A – Live Panel | Panel of Franchisees from Various Sectors | Panel Stage |
| 2:00–2:30 | How to Launch Your Franchise Career with Confidence | Phil Munday (Driving Force), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt), Louise Bruce (Big Red Box PR) | Legal Stage |
| 2:30–3:00 | Funding Your Franchise: What Investors Look For | Amanda Painter (Franchise Finance), Adrian Price (Barclays), Emma Hunt (HSBC) | Finance Theatre |
| 3:00–3:30 | Next Steps: What to Do After the Franchise Show | Steve Mudd (Franchise Consultant), Lucy Campbell (COO), Rachael Turner (BFA) | Theatre 1 |
| 3:30–4:00 | How to Know When You’re Ready to Franchise Your Business | Kate Nicholls (CEO), John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt), Amanda Painter (Franchise Finance) | Panel Stage |
How Can You Prepare for the Franchise Show at NEC Birmingham?
While you can turn up on the day, walking in unprepared might mean missing golden opportunities. Start by registering early tickets are usually free but necessary for access to the seminars and workshops.
Know what you’re curious about: Are you interested in low-cost franchises? Food businesses? Online or remote models? Research some brands beforehand and arrive ready with questions.
Dress comfortably but professionally. it’s a networking environment. Bring your business cards, a notebook, and most importantly, a mindset open to new ideas.
If you’re coming from London, taking the train from Euston to Birmingham International is simple and fast roughly an hour. And since the venue is directly connected to the station, there’s zero hassle.
What Makes the Birmingham Franchise Show Stand Out from Other UK Franchise Events?
While there are shows in Manchester, London, and online, the Birmingham edition stands apart. It’s the size, the variety, the venue, and the atmosphere. NEC Birmingham is perfectly designed for large-scale events, meaning more brands, better sessions, and smoother logistics.
The national spread of exhibitors also means you’re not seeing the same old names. You’ll discover regional franchise success stories and new brands breaking into the UK market the kind that often skip the London shows.
If you’re looking for the most complete, accessible, and energised franchise event in the UK, this is the one.
Is Now the Right Time to Invest in a Franchise in the UK?
Absolutely and that’s not just hype. The franchise sector in the UK is not only growing but evolving rapidly. With low unemployment, increased remote working, and a greater appetite for entrepreneurship, it’s a perfect storm of opportunity.
Brands are adapting, too. You’ll see more digital-first franchises, eco-conscious concepts, and service-based models requiring minimal overhead.
At the show, you’ll get up-to-date economic insights, speak directly with those who are thriving in this climate, and gauge the market for yourself. You don’t just get inspired you get the facts to back your next big move.
How to Follow Up After Attending the Franchise Show Birmingham?
It’s easy to feel inspired during the event, but real change happens after you leave. Don’t let the momentum fade.
Go through the materials you collected and shortlist the franchises that sparked your interest. Book discovery calls, attend open days, and start comparing investment and support models.
Follow speakers and brands on LinkedIn. Join UK-based franchise forums. Most importantly, apply what you learned. The show is a launchpad, but the flight is yours to take.
Who Should Attend the Franchise Show Birmingham – Is It for You?
Whether you’re a full-time professional, a side-hustler, or someone who’s simply curious about business ownership, this event opens the doors to a world of potential. Many people believe you need years of business experience or a large investment fund to consider franchising the truth is, you don’t.
The show is ideal for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs searching for proven business models
- Career switchers looking for stability and independence
- Retirees exploring semi-passive income options
- Students and recent graduates curious about self-employment
- Existing franchisees planning to expand or diversify
- Investors assessing high-growth industries
- Families considering co-owned franchise opportunities
It’s also a brilliant space for those who are simply exploring. You don’t need to arrive with a full business plan just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn. The atmosphere is open, welcoming, and energised. Everyone from first-timers to serial business owners walks the same show floor.
What Are the Smartest Tips for Making the Most of the Franchise Show Birmingham?
Walking into a hall full of opportunity is exciting but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. The good news? A few smart moves can help you get the absolute most out of your visit to the Franchise Show Birmingham.
Start with a game plan. Before you even step foot in the NEC, visit the official event website and browse the list of exhibitors and seminar speakers. Note down the brands or sessions that catch your eye, and plan your time around them. This isn’t a day to just wander. it’s a day to strategise and explore intentionally.
Be open, but not vague. Know what you’re looking for whether that’s low-cost franchises, work-from-home models, or retail brands and communicate that clearly when speaking with franchisors. At the same time, stay open to discovering something unexpected.
Ask the right questions. Don’t just ask “How much does it cost?” dig deeper. Ask about franchisee support, training, expected ROI, scalability, and what makes their brand different from competitors. These conversations will be more meaningful and help you make informed comparisons.
Take notes and follow up quickly. You’ll talk to a lot of people, so keep a small notepad or use your phone to jot down highlights. Within 48 hours of the event, follow up with any brands or contacts that stood out. Momentum matters.
And finally enjoy it. This is a celebration of possibility. Meet people, listen, ask, observe and let yourself get excited about what your future in franchising could look like.
How Can Attending the Franchise Show Birmingham Shape Your Future?
Attending an event like the Franchise Show Birmingham isn’t just a one-off experience. it can become a defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey. For many, this is where the spark is lit. You walk in with questions and walk out with direction, confidence, and a clearer sense of what’s possible.
You might discover a franchise that aligns perfectly with your values. You might meet a mentor who changes the way you think about business. You might attend a seminar that answers a question you didn’t even know you had. These moments matter and they ripple forward.
Some attendees leave the show ready to invest. Others leave with a plan to prepare, save, and return the following year. But nearly everyone walks away with more clarity, knowledge, and confidence than they had before.
Franchising isn’t just about buying a business model. it’s about building a future. And for many, the journey begins at this very show.
Conclusion
From informative talks to real-time conversations with successful franchisees, the Franchise Show Birmingham offers more than inspiration it offers direction. If you’ve been wondering how to break into business ownership or scale your existing operation, this event is your answer.
Whether you’re coming from London or beyond, it’s worth the trip. Because walking into the NEC on those two February days might just be the moment your entrepreneurial journey begins for real.
FAQs
When and where is the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 happening?
The event takes place on 14–15 February 2025 at the NEC Birmingham.
Do I need to pay for tickets to attend the show?
No, entry is free but registration is required in advance online.
Who should attend the Franchise Show Birmingham?
Aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in owning a UK franchise.
Can I speak directly with franchisors at the event?
Yes, attendees can meet and engage directly with franchisors and brand representatives.
Are there seminars or workshops at the event?
Yes, expert-led seminars run throughout both days covering all aspects of franchising.
Will there be opportunities to get legal or financial advice?
Absolutely legal, financial, and franchise consultants are available on-site for guidance.
Is the show suitable for beginners with no business experience?
Yes, the event is designed to support first-time franchise seekers as well as experienced owners.
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