Organisers and delegates hailed this month’s International Franchise Association (IFA) seminar at ExCeL London a success, bringing together franchising giants to discuss benefits and challenges of cross-pollination across the two global markets. The seminar focused on pathways to US and UK franchise development for brands and business ownership opportunities for prospective franchisees and is expected to return in 2025.
Tom Krouse of Donatos Pizza said: “It was next-level collaboration to be able to have these discussions outside of our usual comfort zone of an event in the US. The speakers gave everyone a wholesome view of both markets and an insight into European territories too.”
IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller welcomed the first speaker to kick off the seminar. Dug Aylen, Director at The Franchising Centre, emphasised the importance of market research whichever direction you plan to take your brand across the pond, noting the importance of truly understanding the variances in the two markets.
Franchise Development Managers Aaron Britton and Peter Howe from NatWest Bank led delegates in a discussion about similarities and differences in funding options whilst Alan Greenfield of Greenberg Traurig and Matt Duncombe and Sophie Conroy of DLA Piper tackled the legal implications of entering new markets.
Hearing from a selection of brands who have successfully made the jump from the US market to the UK, along with a Q&A session from Haller, had delegates gripped. The truly collaborative nature of franchising was on display as partnerships and solutions were offered between franchisors.
Joanna Kurowksa, VP, Managing Director UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Dan Archer, UK CEO at Visiting Angels UK, and John Preston, Managing Director & Master Franchisee for Mathnasium UK who all shared their amazing stories of launch and expansion were then joined by Scott Gladstone, CDO & President International from Dine Brands, speaking about their choice to target the UK as a new market this year.
“At IFA, we’ve always had a great relationship with the UK franchising sector, but this first formal event in London truly showed the power of collaboration. The energy in the room reflected what we’ve come to expect from such a strong community of business owners and franchise professionals. We’re excited to return next year to London to foster even more partnership and opportunity for growth,” said Haller.
The seminar was a pre-cursor to the International Franchise Show where IFA has signed a multi-year deal as headline sponsor. The leading franchise expo in the UK welcomed a record-breaking 11,474 visitors to the two-day show, showcasing over 250 franchise opportunities and featuring education sessions from international brands.
