Franchise Focus Business News…

Paris recently played host to a large delegate of representatives from the franchise industry. The Expo brought together over 400 companies and welcomed innovations from over 110 existing brands. The exhibitors represented over 18 countries worldwide, and the Expo hailed as highly successful especially during such economic uncertainty. The Expo was also attended by our own Celia Marrec, Salesperson for Franchise Directe (which features franchise opportunities in France).

Franchise Expo Paris, 13th – 16th March also welcomed over 30 delegates from across the world representing a global franchise community, at the invitation of the French Franchise Federation. Over the two days of the Expo, the representatives met to discuss various aspects of the franchise industry.

The Expo featured a variety of events and talks including a round table discussion chaired by Anne-Marie Idrac, French Secretary for Foreign Trade and panelled by Chairmen of the federations for each continent: Guy Gras (France), Ricardo Bomeny (Brazil), Moatar Al Alfi (Egypt), Samie LIM (Philippines) and Lorraine McLachlin (Canada).

The Expo also hosted an awards ceremony during which 30 awards were given to successful entrepreneurs and business people. The top award: Business Award Franchisee 2009 was presented to Via Uno – a successful Brazilian shoe and accessories brand.

Franchise Expos and Exhibitions are a great opportunity to meet franchisors a large variety of franchisors face to face and ask any questions you may have about investing in a franchise opportunity. The next big franchise exhibition for the UK market will be The British Franchising Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland on June 5th & 6th 2009. Franchise Direct features a comprehensive franchise expo calendar of upcoming franchise events.