The "Women in Franchising" zone will provide an opportunity for prospective female entrepreneurs to gain invaluable advice on running a business from some of the country's most successful businesswomen.
Special seminars are being run for women during the event at the NEC, Birmingham on 5 & 6 October, and will include presentations by high profile speakers including TV fitness guru Rosemary Conley and Michelle Dewberry, winner of BBC1's The Apprentice 2006.
Rosemary Conley who found fame as the early morning exercise instructor on This Morning will be delivering the opening address on both days of the exhibition.
On Saturday afternoon Tina Huelin, founder of HandyWoman, the property maintenance company run by women for women, will demonstrate the need for entrepreneurial spirit in pursuing a successful career in business.
The seminars will address key themes including 'achieving work/life balance', one of the major benefits that franchising offers. This will be presented on Saturday by Gail Orton and Paul Chapman from Raring2Go!, the children's activity guide, with one of their successful franchisees Yvonne Young.
Other seminars include 'Breaking the mould', presented by Jeff Williams, Franchise Director of Greenthumb, the lawn care service franchise, who will explain how a franchise such as this is a great option for women.
The Zone will also include franchisee case studies, including one presented by Joanna Welton from Gymophobics, which will provide visitors with a greater insight into what goes into running a successful franchise on a day-to-day basis.
Potential franchisees will also be able to attend a networking lunch that offers the opportunity to meet with other like-minded female entrepreneurs. Places for the lunch must be booked in advance by emailing elizabeth.ashby@vmgl.com [1].
The National Franchise Exhibition is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 5 October and 4pm on Saturday 6 October and is expected to attract a record number of women this year. For more information visit www.franinfo.co.uk/women [2] or call the ticket hotline on 0870 777 1048.