Franchise Initiative to Transform Approach to International Expansion

A leading Franchise consultancy group is spearheading a major US and international government supported initiative, designed to facilitate the growth of cross-border Franchising.

Franchise Development Services Ltd (FDS) has formed the ‘International Government Franchise Initiative’ to give Franchisors a suitable networking platform for recruiting high net-worth brand builders for National Master, Regional Master and Area Developer agreements. Supported by the US Commercial Service and other export agencies, the initiative will transform the way Franchisors approach international expansion. Participating Franchisors cover food & beverages, hospitality, retail and services.

Paul Cairnie, FDS Associate Publisher of European Franchising, who is driving the initiative, said: “The sale of an international Franchise licence requires a different platform to that of a domestic Franchise sale. Trade shows, national media, online marketing and magazines are great for recruiting Franchisees within a country, but recruitment on an international scale requires a combination of targeted marketing to high net-worth buyers and face to face meetings.”

As part of the initiative FDS, which has 25 years of experience advising Franchisors, will stage a European Trade Mission this October comprised of government organised matchmaking meetings, FDS FranMatch sessions (the Franchising equivalent of speed dating) and print and online support marketing. Participating Franchisors will also benefit from attending three key Franchise events for market education and orientation: The European Franchise Federation Conference in Brussels, the Spanish International Franchising Show in Valencia and the Italian Franchise and Partnership exhibition in Milan.

Starting in Brussels on the 17th October, participants will be welcomed with a champagne reception and award ceremony at a five-star hotel before enjoying a European cuisine tasting, fine wines, a fashion show, and Franchisor presentations.

A number of embassies have already shown their support for the initiative and FDS is in talks with more commercial organisations. “In addition to attracting further interest from other embassies, we’re also speaking with international Chambers of Commerce and World Trade Centers,” adds Paul. “We want to maximise the chances of success for every Franchisor.”

Sam Dhir, from the US Commercial Service, which is the trade promotion arm of the Federal Government with a mission to promote export of goods and services, added: “The commercial staff at our embassies will help the US Franchisors participating in this event to meet with pre-qualified/pre-screened potential Franchisees interested in their concept.”

The Trade Mission will conclude with the Milan exhibition on the 24th October. Franchisors interested in participating in the European Franchising 100 Trade Mission and other events worldwide, should call Paul Cairnie on +44 1 603 620 301 or email paulc@fdsltd.com or visit www.franchise-group.com.

About FDS

Franchise Development Services (FDS) specialise in providing advice and guidance to prospective and existing Franchisees and Franchisors worldwide through its network of 14 Franchisees and Associates. The company also publishes a variety of magazines including European Franchising, The Franchise Magazine and The United Kingdom Franchise Directory.

Photo Caption
Paul Cairnie, Franchise Development Services Associate Publisher


More Information:
Roy Seaman, Managing Director, Franchise Development Services, Tel. +44 (0)1603 620 301, E-Mail: roy@fdsltd.com Web: www.franchise-group.com

Paul Cairnie, Associate Publisher, European Franchising Magazine, Tel. +44 (0)1603 620 301, E-mail: paulc@fdsltd.com Web: www.franchise-group.com

High res image can be downloaded from: www.clickintopr.com/editors/articleDetail.asp?pjID=217

September 5, 2005