Starting a business can be one of the most rewarding ventures in life, but also one of the most daunting. For many aspiring UK entrepreneurs, the biggest question isn’t whether to start a business it’s how to start one successfully, sustainably, and with as little risk as possible. This is where franchising has become increasingly appealing, and why the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 is one of the most anticipated business events of the year.
Taking place on 3rd and 4th October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, the National Franchise Exhibition is exclusively supported by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and will feature more than 100 accredited franchise brands, 50+ expert-led presentations, and real opportunities for UK startups to explore, invest and grow.
Why Should UK Startups Care About the Franchise Show Birmingham 2025?
In an uncertain economic landscape, startups often face significant challenges: high overheads, no established brand identity, and limited access to mentorship or funding. The franchise model helps remove many of those barriers.
By investing in a franchise, startup founders benefit from a proven business model, brand recognition, and often a comprehensive support system. The Franchise Show Birmingham exists to make these opportunities accessible especially to those ready to build something of their own but not entirely on their own.
Many now-successful UK business owners trace their roots to a single franchise exhibition, where they discovered a brand, attended a workshop, asked the right questions, and made their move. Events like this provide a turning point for entrepreneurs who want to grow with guidance rather than start from scratch.
What Can Attendees Expect from This Year’s Franchise Show?
Held in Hall 3 of the NEC Birmingham, this year’s show is expected to host a record number of brands, speakers, and hands-on sessions. The layout is designed to help visitors navigate the many franchise categories with ease, from food and fitness to education and home services.
New for 2025, the event includes more sector-focused pavilions, one-on-one franchisor matching support, and expanded talks on topics like ESG in franchising, AI for franchise operations, and part-time business ownership models.
The involvement of the British Franchise Association ensures that the show upholds the highest ethical standards. Every franchisor in attendance has been vetted by the BFA, giving attendees peace of mind that they’re meeting trustworthy brands.
How Does the Franchise Show Support Startup Growth?
The event is carefully structured to give early-stage business founders all the tools they need to succeed. From funding advice to legal support, every step of the franchise journey is covered. Visitors can sit in on sessions about:
- What to ask a franchisor before signing
- How to assess your financial readiness
- Legal obligations under a franchise agreement
- Territory selection and growth planning
Franchise Discovery Days are also a major highlight. These are curated sessions where prospective franchisees get an inside look at how a brand works sometimes even meeting current franchisees and support teams in private settings. This insight is invaluable when comparing opportunities.
Networking lounges, Q&A zones, and startup resource hubs ensure that visitors are not just collecting brochures they’re building relationships and forming strategies.
What Franchise Opportunities Will Be Showcased for New Entrepreneurs?
Not every entrepreneur starts with a six-figure budget and this event recognises that. A wide range of franchises will be available, catering to different financial capabilities, skill sets, and personal interests.
From mobile coffee businesses and digital marketing franchises to gym chains and children’s education providers, there’s something for everyone.
Franchise Investment Comparison Table
| Investment Level | Franchise Type | Ideal For | Example Sectors |
| Under £10,000 | Home-based or part-time | First-time entrepreneurs | Tutoring, pet care, digital ads |
| £10,000–£50,000 | Mobile or small unit | Side-hustle to full-time | Coffee vans, fitness, cleaning |
| Over £50,000 | Multi-unit or retail units | High-growth startup founders | Fast food, care services, gyms |
How Can Startups Prepare for the Franchise Show Birmingham?
Planning ahead is key to getting the most from your visit. Start by registering online for free, which gives you access to the show app, early content, and exhibitor announcements. Use the exhibitor list to shortlist the brands you want to speak to and the seminar schedule to block out time for sessions most relevant to your goals.
Think carefully about what you want out of the event whether that’s finding a low-cost opportunity, understanding how to fund a franchise, or learning how to grow a franchise network. Prepare questions, bring a notebook or tablet, and make time to walk the floor.
Don’t forget to ask franchisors about:
- Training and onboarding
- Marketing and lead generation
- Ongoing support and mentorship
- Profit margins and financial planning
- Territory availability
What Is the Full Timetable of Events for October 3 & 4, 2025?
Here is the official seminar timetable for the event, featuring expert speakers and leading franchise brands.
Friday, 3 October 2025
| 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) |
What Makes NEC Birmingham a Strategic Venue for UK Startups?
The NEC Birmingham is ideally located for attendees travelling from across the UK. Its direct connection to Birmingham International Railway Station, proximity to Birmingham Airport, and accessibility from the M42, M6 and M40 motorways make it one of the most connected venues in the country.
There are over 16,000 parking spaces, and a free air-rail link from the airport means even international guests have a smooth arrival experience. For overnight stays, the venue is surrounded by on-site hotels including Hilton, Crowne Plaza and Novotel, making it convenient for multi-day attendance.
Why Is the Franchise Show a Key Growth Opportunity for UK Entrepreneurs in 2025?
Franchising offers startups a way to skip the hardest part of building a business: the trial and error. Instead, you’re buying into a system that’s been tested, refined, and supported.
The Franchise Show Birmingham 2025 brings all of that opportunity under one roof paired with guidance from experts, tools for business planning, and access to brands ready to grow across the UK.
For startups in 2025, this event is more than an exhibition. It’s a launchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Franchise Show Birmingham free to attend for startups?
Yes, attendance is completely free with online registration.
What is the best way to approach franchisors at the show?
Have specific questions ready. Ask about support, expected investment, and whether territories are available near you.
Are there franchise opportunities for people with limited capital?
Yes, many exhibitors offer entry-level or part-time franchises starting under £10,000.
What support does the BFA offer to new franchisees?
The BFA provides ethical franchising guidance, hosts seminars, and accredits trustworthy brands.
Will there be legal and financial advice available?
Yes. Experts from law firms, banks, and funding bodies are present at the show.
Can I attend both days of the event with one registration?
Yes, your free ticket grants you access to both days.
What are the key sectors to look out for in 2025?
Food and drink, fitness, education, elderly care, digital services, and eco-friendly brands are among the top sectors.
