Taking place on October 2 and 3 at Birmingham’s NEC, this is the UK’s largest and most important franchise event, featuring a diverse range of established franchises, and providing an opportunity for aspiring business owners and existing entrepreneurs to find out more about franchising.

In spite of the recession, last year the franchise industry contributed £11.4 billion to the country’s GDP, while 90 percent of franchises reported profitable trading in 2008. Banks have also remained supportive of the industry because of its proven business model.

Supported by Express Newspapers, the exhibition will showcase over 150 proven franchise concepts, from health and fitness, motoring and recruitment to cleaning, food and drink, and home improvement. With a franchise concept to suit every budget, lifestyle and skill set, a visit to this event could be the turning point for those looking for a change of lifestyle or a new career.

Among the exhibitors this year are leading names like Agency Express, Cash Generator, ChipsAway, Computer Xplorers, Diet Care, Energie Fitness, Go-Kart Party, McDonalds, Papa John’s, Prestige Nursing, Snappy Snaps, Subway and WPA.

An extensive conference programme comprising of a series of informative seminar tracks on key franchise related topics will also be available to visitors. These include British Franchise Association (bfa) seminars; women in franchising; growing your own business; high level investment franchising, buying a franchise resale, management in franchising, and couples in franchising.

Other features include the Franchise Starting Point, which is dedicated to helping visitors who are completely new to the concept of franchising learn the basics of the business model.

The National Franchise Exhibition is supported by the bfa and only features franchise companies that have met the Association’s code of ethics. This means visitors can be confident in the franchise opportunities presented to them as they are an ethical entity within the UK market.

The exhibition opens from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday October 2, and 4pm on Saturday October 3.

To register call 0870 777 1048 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk  Callers can purchase tickets by credit card for £8 each or £7 each for two or more.

Admission on the door is £13. However, Sunday Express readers can gain free entry by registering at www.franchiseinfo.co.uk  and entering the promotional code SUNX1.