By Nick Strong, Franweb.

It was fascinating for all that attended the national franchise exhibition this year to see how the economic conditions we are going through are affecting the community.

Far from being negative the mood of franchisors on their stands and delegate visitors considering business format franchising as their future was brisk and buoyant.

Steve Roulstone, MD of Castle Estates, commented, “The show has been very busy as has our stand.  We have noticed for the first time an increased number of would be franchisees aged thirty years old and under.  We are excited about the focus and quality of visitor and have already set up some very promising meetings”.

Other franchisor exhibitors I spoke to echoed much of what Steve Roulstone had to say. 

The increase in activity at the national franchise exhibition in both exhibitors and visitors is also reflected on line.  Fro my own business www.SelectYourFranchise.com we have seen a huge increase in buyer visits to our websites and a steady increase of franchisor advertisers in recent months. In fact, buyer visitors to our websites in September 2010 increase by 50% compared to the same month in 2009 and more leads were generated than in any September going back to 2006.

 The economy may be flat but franchise business certainly is not.  The franchise department leaders of the banks have made it clear that they have money to lend to well qualified franchisees and suitable franchisors. Clearly every franchisor should select suitable franchisees carefully and every franchise buyer should go through personal and franchise system due diligence before entering into contract, training and trading.

 It is great to see a go ahead attitude and the franchise community is clearly demonstrating this.  Franchise community leads are cautiously optimistic about the future.  The key is to work hard, follow the proven system and work together for the common good.  This is good franchising.

 

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