For both new and experienced franchisees, trade shows provide a perfect platform for research and building crucial connections. The National Franchise Exhibition, which takes place from the 4-5 October 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, has been running for over 30 years.
In this article we take a look at some franchising success stories that changed the lives of previous attendees, helping them realise their entrepreneurial ambitions and become their own boss.
Restaurateur turned Anytime Fitness gym owner: Raj Hasib
Raj Hasib had experience running hospitality businesses but, like many small business owners, he found it hard to scale the business up. With spiralling wage costs and no time to dedicate to marketing the company, he was drowning in the day-to-day work with no chance to focus on growing the business.
Raj attended The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, looking for a food and beverage franchise because of his experience in the industry. He hadn’t even considered a non-food-related business, but on entering the exhibition hall he was amazed by all the options on offer. ‘It was a bit of a surprise actually, because I wasn't thinking about a gym. I discussed how the Anytime Fitness model works and the set-up and it excited me more than anything else - I became quite determined.’
Raj found that meeting franchisors face-to-face at the event was paramount in making his decision to start a franchise business. ‘It really gives you time to talk to all these like-minded people.’ After his initial conversation at the exhibition, he went to their head office a few days later and the rest is history. ‘I signed up within about two weeks of going to the exhibition!’
Fast-forward to 2024 and Raj is delighted with his franchise team and, crucially, most of the people he’s been working with since the beginning are still there, enabling him to build a rapport over time. He believes that Anytime Fitness has evolved to keep up with the competition and that, above all, location is key. Currently Raj is looking at a third site that he’s very close to taking on, which represents fantastic progress five years on from opening his first gym.
From Accountancy and Insurance to Care Franchising: Paul and Danny Taherian
In 2021, The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham was abuzz with businesses looking for promising franchisees. Amid the bustling event were two brothers, Paul and Danny Taherian, looking to build their own successful and rewarding business.
The brothers wanted a new career which was completely different from anything they had experienced before. Paul and Danny, intrigued by the vision and values of the franchise opportunity, felt that their desire to create a real difference in their community would be a good match with Sylvian Care.
Paul and Danny benefited greatly from face-to-face interactions with the franchisors, industry experts and CEOs at the exhibition. “It led to more in-depth discussions that are often not possible through online research or via phone,” they said. They were able to compare a wide range of franchises side by side across various industries, providing a broader perspective on available opportunities.
The brothers opened Sylvian Care Woking franchise and obtained registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June 2022. What followed was a remarkable journey of commitment, compassion and entrepreneurial spirit. In just seven months of trading, they managed to achieve break-even on their investment. They currently support 27 clients, providing them with the care and compassion they need to lead fulfilling lives at home.
The brothers’ journey is testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication and the right franchise support system . Paul stresses that one crucial piece of advice for anyone considering franchising is to conduct thorough due diligence. This involves researching the franchise brand, understanding its business model and evaluating the experiences of current and former franchisees.
The success stories of Raj Hasib and the Taherian brothers are great examples of the life-changing opportunities offered by The Franchise Exhibitions. If you’d like to attend the National Franchise Exhibition on the 4 & 5 October at the NEC, Birmingham, visit FranchiseInfo.co.uk.
