The annual Northern Ireland Franchise show is Northern Ireland's largest franchising event, showcasing some of the top 100 franchised business formulas from across the UK and Ireland.

The inaugral show which was held across Derry/Londonderry and Belfast in November 2011 exceeded the expectations of all involved. Around 1,200 visitors turned up on the day and visitor and exhibitor comments were both extremely positive. A good mix of exhibitors were present on the day and the vast majority of visitors were real prospects with a real interest in franchising.

2011 Show Statistics:

  • 1,400 people attended the show
  • 800 attended the Belfast show
  • 600 attended the Derry/Londonderry Show
  • Over a quarter of visitors had more than £25k to invest
  • 229 quality leads were secured by exhibitors
  • 8 sales have been made in total as a direct result of the show
  • Exhibitors anticipate a further 18 sales as a direct result of the show

Marketing:

Following an extensive marketing campaign across a variety of media, visitors heard about the show via:

  • Newspapers - 59%
  • Online - 10%
  • E-Flyer - 9%
  • Referral - 7%
  • Radio - 6%
  • Word of Mouth - 6%
  • Other - 3%

Exhibitor Testimonials:

"The show couldn't have gone better. The turn out was amazing and we had some serious interest in our second last franchise here in Northern Ireland. I am confident due to the amount of interest Jumping Clay will be coming to the North West very soon."

Nick Turkington, Jumping Clay

“The first Northern Ireland Franchise Show was a supremely successful event, well organized and executed. The streat are delighted with the numbers through the doors and we were particularly delighted in Derry with the caliber of those coming to the Expo.

The event was structured in such a manner as to provide a less formal approach to exhibiting without losing the message that this was after all, a professional business event. This resulted in reduced costs to the streat and a more relaxed environment for those visiting the stands.

What also impressed was the attendance of overseas and Republic of Ireland franchisors, many exhibiting in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Franchising in Northern Ireland is a great opportunity for self-employment and economic growth and Ortus deserve great credit for their efforts and initiative.

Where do we sign for next year……?”

Barry Kelly, Head of Franchisee Recruitment and Property Acquisition at the Streat
 

Northern Ireland Franchise Show 2011 Exhibitor List:

  • Funky Monkeys
  • Ortus - The Business Development Agency
  • Sport Plus Scheme
  • Abacus Care
  • Leisure Leagues
  • TaxAssist
  • WPA Health Insurance
  • Lighterlife
  • Hire Fitness
  • The Entrepreneur's Source
  • Husse
  • Belvoir Lettings
  • Bar Sport
  • Kumon Educational
  • Jumping Clay
  • Synergy Stocktaking
  • Irish Franchise Association
  • The Streat
  • Franchise Development Services
  • The Irish Franchise Magazine
  • Eco Car Wash
  • Century 21
  • Water Cooler World
  • Motivation.ie
  • Eddie Rockets
  • Social Franchising Programme
  • Munster Tool Co
  • Recopro
  • The Zip Yard
  • Theatrebugs
  • Millar McCall Wylie Solicitors
  • Ulster Community Investment Trust
  • Northern Bank
  • Invest Northern Ireland
  • Enterprise Northern Ireland
  • Ilex Urban Regeneration Company

 
The Northern Ireland Franchise Show 2011 was supported by:

To book your space at next years show please email james@ortus.org or call +44 (0)28 9031 1002