Business connections flourish at The British & International Franchise Exhibition 2025
The British & International Franchise Exhibition returned to Olympia London on 31 January and 1 February 2025, once again establishing itself as a must-attend event for both prospective franchisees and franchisors. The event showcased a diverse array of business opportunities across 42 industry sectors, offering valuable insights and connections for both seasoned professionals and those exploring franchise ownership for the first time.
Exhibitors ranged from major food and beverage brands like McDonald’s and Le Pain Quotidien to giant fitness brands such as Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness, alongside renowned care services Visiting Angels and Bluebird Care. The event showcased the diverse opportunities within the franchising sector, with a focus on providing attendees access to top franchises and expert guidance.
The exhibition does so much more than connect entrepreneurs with franchisors – it provides a dynamic platform for franchise success through an extensive programme of speaker sessions, panel discussions and expert-led presentations, offering valuable insights for both first-time franchisees and experienced investors. Many attendees found the event to be a valuable resource, with one visitor noting:
Exhibitors shared how the event allowed them to engage with prospects and build meaningful connections. Kara Ratcliffe, Franchise Development Manager for Anytime Fitness, remarked, “The British & International Franchise Exhibition provided a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with potential franchisees and have valuable conversations about their goals and aspirations. We were thrilled with the level of engagement, and it’s a great chance to showcase what we do.”
Ben Finney, Franchise Development Lead at SoBe Burger, shared his positive experience as a first-time exhibitor: “It’s been a brilliant opportunity for us to meet a wide range of people, discuss their ambitions, and explore how our franchise can align with their goals. We’re really pleased with the exposure and the connections we’ve made.”
Suzie McCafferty, CEO of Platinum Wave, echoed similar sentiments:
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address by renowned businessman and celebrity chef, Levi Roots. Titled ‘Roots to success’, Levi shared the inspiring story of his Reggae Reggae Sauce from the iconic pitch on Dragon’s Den to becoming a household name in supermarkets across the UK. Levi’s words deeply resonated with attendees, offering both motivational guidance and practical advice for those ready to take the next step on their franchise journey.
Looking ahead!
With another successful event behind us, plans are already underway for The National Franchise Exhibition taking place on 3 & 4 October 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For those interested in exhibiting you can contact the team on +44(0)20 8394 5200 or email franchise@vmgl.com.
For more information about what’s going on at the event and to book free tickets, visit FranchiseInfo.
