Unique opportunities on show at this year's Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo in Perth

With the Australian franchising industry currently worth $130 billion and employing over 600,000 people there has never been a better time to get into franchising, and the Perth Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is an essential first step into the industry. The Expo will showcase franchising, along with many other business ideas and opportunities, for those looking to start their own business.

This unique expo is part of the largest and longest running exhibition series in the industry, and is taking place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 17-18 May 2008.

Visitors who are keen to buy a franchise will be able to obtain professional legal and financial advice at the Franchising Advice Centre, where a franchise-banking specialist from National Australia Bank will be onsite to explain the process of securing finance. Specialist lawyers from Lawrence Legal Solutions will also be on hand to help visitors understand their legal obligations and the terms and conditions associated with signing contracts. A specialist accountant will also be available to provide tax and other accounting advice.

A major highlight of the show will be the Franchising Boot Camp, which is designed to give visitors a complete understanding of the basics in franchising in a power-packed and practical session. This session will include an open discussion between the audience and a panel of franchisees to provide visitors with relevant experiences and a practical perspective on their journey in becoming a successful franchisee. The Perth panel comprises of franchisees from Jim’s Group, MyHome, Café2U and Housework Heroes.

Complementing the Franchising Boot Camp will be the Franchising Networking Lounge, where visitors can enjoy one-on-one discussions with franchisees from the Franchising Boot Camp panel, as well as learning about other franchise systems at the show. Visitors can help themselves to free refreshments at the lounge while they network and take the change to read through available materials.

Interesting exhibitors available for interview include:

• FoodCube : A new franchise concept, introducing a new range of hot food venting solutions into the Australian market. Food Cube fresh fries French fries, chick nuggets and prawn cutlets in a vending machine in only 90 seconds.
• Chooks Fresh & Tasty : Dedicated to providing the freshest and tastiest chicken and chips across Australia, Chooks Fresh & Tasty is a locally grown WA franchise.
• Mini Pancake Company : A Perth-born franchise which is becoming extremely successful, with plans for the franchise to expand nationally and internationally.
• Xpresso Delight : A new pay-as-you-go office coffee concept, where businesses can install a professional-style coffee machine in their workplace and only pay for the coffee they use, rather than buying the machine outright. This concept is taking off right across Australia.

Visitors to the Expo will have the opportunity to meet and compare dozens of companies, access financial advice and speak with experts in the one convenient location. Information that would normally represent days of appointments, meetings and discussions can be researched in a matter of hours.

"The franchising sector is extremely dynamic, and is increasingly becoming the best option for anyone looking for a low-risk option to start running their own business," said Jon Perry, Exhibition Director, Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo.

"Our alliances with the key industry bodies, such as the Franchise Council of Australia, means we can guarantee visitors to the show will have access to the most up-to-date and relevant information currently available."

With more than 100 business and franchise systems, many major brands have so far been confirmed, including Autobarn. Kindy Dance Time, Ovenu, Gelatino, Bucking Beef, Visual Signs and Brazilian Butterfly.

Normal admission is $15.00 for adults. 2-for-1 tickets are available online. Each ticket allows entry on both days of the expo. Entry costs also cover entry to the Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo, as well as to the Property and Investment Expos.