Following a recent survey revealing that jobs, profit and turnover expectations are on the up in the Humber region, entrepreneurs are being invited to Hull’s first ever franchise conference.

According to the second Quarterly Economic Survey of 2014, carried out by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, 71% of firms surveyed said they were expecting their turnover to improve. The percentage of firms expecting to increase their workforce also rose to 41 per cent, the highest it’s been for some time.

Julie Taylor, MD of Gti Consultancy which is organising The Franchise Conference Hull on 25^th September said there’s a definite air of optimism in the region.

“The results of the survey show that businesses are feeling more confident about the economy recovery and so they should,” she explained.

“Work has started on the development of the Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP), which will create hundreds of jobs, and Hull city centre is to undergo a £25m makeover.

“Now is great time to be thinking about starting or expanding a business and franchising gives you the opportunity to do both.

“Buying franchise is a great way of starting your own business as it provides the security of a proven concept with an established brand name and ongoing support. Conversely if you already have a business turning it into a franchise is an excellent strategy for growth.

“Not many people realise but franchising is big business in the UK and contributes over £13.7 billion to the country’s economy.”

As well as a business exhibition The Franchise Conference at The Royal Hotel will feature talks on business development, PR and marketing, intellectual property rights and the financial and legal aspects of franchising a business.

There will also be Q&A sessions with people who have successfully expanded their business through franchising and those who have started their own business by buying a franchise.

Julie, who has over 15 years’ experience in the industry, said it’s a rare opportunity to talk to people who have first hand experience of running a successful franchise.

“Usually to find out about franchising you would have to travel to London or Birmingham but we wanted to offer people living and working in the Humber region the opportunity to access expert advice on their own doorstep.

“We have an impressive line-up of speakers covering all aspects of franchising including keynote speaker Eric Ho owner and founder of the YoYo Group who will be sharing the secrets of his success.”

Eric, whose business portfolio spans from the fastest growing noodle bar franchise in the UK, Yo Yo Noodle, to the country’s largest tyre and steel recycling plant, UK Steel, added: “I’m delighted to be have this opportunity to help other people on the road to success.

“One of my passions is motivational speaking and I love being able to inspire people to take action and achieve their dreams.”

Other speakers on the day will include Paul Wright from NatWest, Steve Bramall from Smailes Goldie, Marie Kel from Andrew Jackson solicitors, Carrie Bradley from Loven Patents & Trademark, Mike Martin from Griffin House Consultancy, Derrick Simpson from Franchise Resalesand Kate Strawson from Shooting Star PR.

During the conference delegates will also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded people and find out more about gti consultancy’s Franchise Development Programme.

Aimed at supporting budding franchisors through the process of designing and developing their business from the initial stages through to launching it into the marketplace, the programme consists of a series of workshops and one-to-one support.

The conference on 25^th September at The Royal Hotel in Hull starts at 9.30am and closes at 5pm. Tickets cost £37.50 plus VAT, or £25 if you book before 4^th September, and include a buffet lunch. To find out more please visit www.franchiseconf.co.uk

Ends

For further information about this news release please contact:

Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540
07733230293
@KateStrawson
[gti02Hull]