Franchising Expo highlights rewards as well as risks of small business

More than 100 franchises and business models will be on show this weekend at the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, the industry’s premier forum to research and explore this popular and proven business model.

“If you want to break away from working for others then you will find everything you need under one roof at this event,” says Event Director Tim Collett. “You can talk to experts, compare the options, eyeball the people behind the brands and ask the hard questions. It is all about doing your research and finding something that works for you”.

Collett acknowledges the bad press around some major chains who have not done the right thing by their people and franchisees. He says, “We obviously do not condone this behaviour and regret that a few operators have made it hard for the rest.

“Franchising is fundamentally a good model that has been proven over many years. Every entrepreneur faces risks in business. A good franchise actually removes some of this risk because the branding, marketing and financial systems are already in place, and there is a supportive network of fellow franchisees.”

Established over thirty years ago, the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo offers visitors an exciting forum to learn more about franchising and working for yourself.

There are free seminars running on the show floor right through the day. They include keynotes by Jim Penman – the man behind Jim’s Group – and John O’Brien, the founder of Poolwerx which has now expanded beyond Australia to the USA.

Other high-profile speakers include the Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell; Tutor Doctor’s President Frank Milner visiting from Canada; Snap CEO Peter Sinodinos; Brian Keen on how to franchise your own business; and Mary Aldred, head of the Franchise Council of Australia.

Exhibitors at the show well-known brands such as Jim’s, Poolwerx, Aussie, Signarama, Pack & Send, Banjo’s Bakery Café, Clark Rubber, Hogs Breath and Fully Promoted. There will also be new and emerging brands such as Soul Origin, Oxworks, Laser Clinics Australia, Wendy’s Milk Bar, Cybercillin, Euclideon, Gutter Knight and Delicia Açai.

Global exhibitors include Jon Smith Subs, Sharetea, Papa John’s Pizza, Experimac, VentureX, TaxAssist and Tutor Doctor. There will also be a huge Malaysian Pavilion showcasing a dozen new franchise systems not seen in Australia.

Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo
10am-5pm Saturday 25 August – Sunday 26 August
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Tickets $10 online at www.franchisingexpo.com.au or $20 at the door.

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