Austrade and franchisors answer London call

Austrade and a group of Australian franchisors recently took part in a trade mission to the United Kingdom aimed at exploring opportunities for their concepts in the UK and European Union markets.

Organised by Austrade and supported by the Franchise Council of Australia , the mission was timed to coincide with National Franchise Week in Britain. Participants included Boost Juice , Hire-A-Hubby , Howards Storage World , Wet-seal , Health Information Pharmacy , Gordian Business and Baybridge Lawyers .

Cheryl Scott, industry specialist, franchising and tourism, Austrade Sydney, accompanied the delegation and, along with Austrade London senior business development managers Laurie Yu and Amit Aggarwal, organised an extensive program of seminars and networking activities. Participants met with a number of in-market experts such as franchise consultants, lawyers and bankers, as well as Australian franchises already established in the market, including the Snap Printing franchise and Storage King.

“The program was designed to help Australian franchisors develop an understanding of current franchising trends and opportunities in the UK and EU, identify key factors of success in marketing a franchise in the region, and make connections with key contacts who could help them develop their business on the ground,” Scott says.

Mission participants attended a number of key events during National Franchise Week, including the International Symposium on Franchising in London, and the National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham.

The program also included a cocktail reception at Australia House in London where participants and guests were welcomed by Austrade senior trade commissioner, Alison McGuigan-Lewis, and Bill Tweddell, deputy high commissioner to the United Kingdom.

“It will save us months, if not years, in due diligence,” says Ken Lee of Health Information Pharmacy. “The contacts were invaluable, and Austrade’s ability to gain access to quality speakers and contacts very impressive.”

Adds Brendan Green of Hire-A-Hubby: “It has enabled a week-long visit to provide a platform to fast-track the export process that would otherwise have taken much longer. The quality of the available market information is outstanding, and the local business contacts and information access points are invaluable. I would recommend this type of export delegation to all serious potential exporters.”

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