Promising entrepreneurs looking to profit from the recent upturn in the regional economy are being invited to The Franchise Conference in Woodhall Spa.

According to the second RBS Regional Growth Tracker, the East Midlands is the fastest growing English region in 2014 and is one of four regions which have now grown bigger than their pre-2008 peak.

Julie Taylor, Managing Director of Lincoln-based Gti Consultancy, which is organising the conference, said it’s great to be back where the first ever Franchise Conference was held.

“There is a definite air of optimism in the East Midlands region and the business owners I’ve spoken to over the past year are a lot more upbeat about its future – and so they should be.

“The recent Regional Growth Tracker shows that the East Midlands has been leading the way over the past 12 months mainly owing to the performance of its retail and distribution industries. Its advanced manufacturing sector has also been doing well, which is great to hear.

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

“Buying a 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.”

The event, at The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on 27^th November, 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 Lincolnshire 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, YoYo 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 Carrie Bradley from LOVEN Patents and Trademarks, Tim Godson from Duncan & Toplis chartered accountants, Sarah Miles from Langleys LLP and 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 Franchise Conference will start at 9.30am and close at 5.30pm. Tickets cost £37.50 plus VAT 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
[gti04Lincoln]