Exclusive conference to reveal how to multiply success with multi-unit franchising

Ambitious entrepreneurs will learn how to leverage the potential of multi-unit franchising at the Multi-unit Franchise Conference at Olympia London on 1 February.

Successful franchisees are increasingly choosing to expand their portfolio, confident that they can replicate their achievements. In fact, figures suggest that around one in three franchisees now operate more than unit: unsurprising given that 93% of franchisees claimed profitability in 2018.[1]Recent statistics show that franchising is going from strength to strength in the UK. Over 48,600 franchised units contribute an estimated £17 billion annually to the UK economy and employ more than 700,000 people.

Existing franchisees looking to expand, or those with the liquid capital to invest in more than one franchise unit from the outset, will find the Multi-unit Franchise Conference an invaluable opportunity to learn more about this lucrative approach to business.

Dedicated to shining a light on multi-unit franchising and exploring the unique challenges and rewards of running a portfolio of franchises, the conference features a series of presentations from highly successful multi-unit franchisees and senior members of well-known brands.

Highlights of the speaker line-up include Neil Manhas, UK General Manager for Pizza Hut. Drawing on his 15 years of experience at this household name, Neil will coach his audience to ‘think big’ in his presentation, Inspiring franchisees to grow stronger, bigger and faster. Neil comments:

“I am working closely with a great team of employees and franchisees to drive growth for a business I am deeply passionate about. We’re in an exciting period with the Pizza Hut Delivery channel as we strengthen the franchisee estate, improve customer experiences and further develop our digital capabilities.

“I look forward to sharing some of our experiences and what we’ve learned along the way, so that franchisees can envision how they can grow their own businesses.”

Also providing insights from a franchisor’s perspective will be Chris Palmer, Head of Development at Taco Bell. Another industry veteran, Chris joined Taco Bell a year ago having previously held senior roles at Creams Cafe and Harry Ramsden’s.

Taco Bell is a 7,000-franchise strong operation in the USA and Chris is responsible for growing the franchise network across Europe, with a particular focus on the UK. In his presentation, Effective support systems for multi-unit operators, Chris will highlight what multi-unit franchisees should be looking out for. He comments:

“The franchise model is a partnership between the franchisor and franchisee, and it’s vital that this partnership works both ways – this is especially important when it comes to multi-unit relationships.

“I look forward to illustrating what franchisees should expect in the way of support with marketing, operations and property from the franchisor, and to sharing examples of how this is done well. I’ll also highlight some red flags that franchisees should be alert for when assessing a franchise brand to add to their portfolio.

“Taco Bell has a long and successful history working with multi-unit franchisees and the best practice I will share applies to any sector, be it care, fitness, retail or food and drink.”

 The programme will also offer insights from a number of successful multi-unit franchisees.  

Anne Wainwright is a franchisee and owner operator of global restaurant giant, McDonald’s and has won many accolades, including the bfa Franchisee of the Year Award in 2016.

Currently overseeing seven McDonald’s restaurants and employing more than 700 people, Anne is a strong advocate of teamwork and working. She regularly engages with the McDonald’s executive team on behalf of franchisees to help shape strategic business decisions for the brand.

In her presentation, The characteristics of an effective leader, Anne will reveal how the right leadership can deliver rewards for the community and employees, as well as the franchisee and franchisor.

During a panel session entitled Strategies for growth, three other ground-breaking multi-unit and multi-brand operators will discuss different routes to expansion.

O2 UK Franchisee of the Year 2018, Stephen Dickson, will share the stage with multi-brand QSR franchisee Mayooran Senthilmani and Gabriel Mareno, a founding member of the CeX franchise council who has recently added a casual dining franchise to his portfolio. Each is well-placed to share their personal experiences to guide and inspire the next generation of multi-unit operators.

Tracy Shah, Director at Venture Marketing Group who organise the conference, comments:

“Multi-unit franchising is on the increase, and it’s easy to understand why. Franchising offers an optimised route to business success and the nature of its format means this success can be multiplied exponentially by investing in more units and more brands.

 “The Multi-unit Franchise Conference combines real-world examples of the potential of multi-unit franchising with insights and advice from leading franchisors, so that attendees will leave with a thorough understanding of why and how they could expand their business empire.”

Places are strictly limited at this exclusive conference. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to book by 11 January to secure a seat and to take advantage of the early bird discounted rate of £35 plus VAT.

For more information on all aspects of the event please visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/multi-unit-franchise-2019

[1] Source: bfa NatWest Franchise Survey 2018