The Irish Franchise Exhibition, at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) on 17 and 18 November, will be the most impressive gathering of franchise expertise ever staged in Ireland, with the leading franchisors from Ireland, the UK and overseas offering a superb choice all under one roof.

Franchising is growing rapidly worldwide as a proven way to develop successful new business ventures because it offers ready-made solutions to many of the uncertainties faced by those wanting to set up a new business for the first time, or those venturing into new markets.

The event is supported by the Irish Franchise Association (IFA), The Irish Independent and Franchise Ireland Magazine and sponsored by Godfather's Pizza.

High quality franchisors will be offering opportunities in a cross-section of business sectors - from management consultancy and recruitment to food & drink, health & fitness, cleaning companies, and confectionery. Hundreds of proven business ideas will be on offer to inspire ambitious entrepreneurs.

Leading franchise experts from the UK and Ireland will be addressing the key issues that both potential franchisees and existing franchisors need to know during a comprehensive two-day seminar programme at the Irish Franchise Exhibition, Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, 17 & 18 November 2006.

High profile companies including O'Brien's Sandwich Bars, Ulster Bank, Streat Franchising and Signs Express will take attendees through a range of topics including an introduction to franchising and how to finance your franchise business to detailed case studies from several successful franchisees as part of the comprehensive seminar programme.

To open the programme, David Corbett, Managing Director, Signs Express will be explaining the basics of franchising and how to choose the right franchise. John Green, Chairman and Michael Bradley, CEO of the Irish Franchise Association will be identifying franchise trends and potential growth areas and opportunities in Ireland.

Commenting on the seminar programme John Green said: "I am very pleased to be speaking at this seminar on current franchise trends and opportunities available in Ireland. With Franchising continuing to flourish in Ireland with an average 12% per annum growth over the past few years, the inclusion of this comprehensive seminar programme as part of the Irish Franchise Exhibition is ideal for those looking to venture into this growth market."

Other speakers include Ruth Lennon, Area Manager for Ulster Bank who will discuss how best to secure funds for your franchise business and Fiacre Nagle CEO, O'Brien's Sandwich Bars, who will give advice on how best to choose a franchise that is right for you.

David Tuck, Franchise Sales Manager for Irish Franchise exhibition, said: "This tailor made seminar programme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of both visitors and exhibitors alike - an invaluable tool for both prospective franchisees and franchisors in helping them either to realise their dream franchise or to grow their existing business."

These free seminar sessions are open to all on a first come first serve basis. To secure a place please arrive five minutes before the session begins.

The Irish Franchise Exhibition also features a diverse range of leading franchise companies representing a broad cross section of business sectors including well known brand names such as Puccinos, isoldit, Ladies Workout Express, The Mortgage Shop, Cash Generator, Toolman Ltd, Ulster Bank, Godfather's Pizza, Vendmax International, Sands Ireland, Howarth Franchising, Mail Boxes Etc and Prontaprint.

Banks, accountants and independent franchising advisors as well as The Irish Franchise Association will all be on hand with resources and expertise to help visitors before they take a decision.

How to get to the RDS
The RDS is located in the heart of Dublin in the suburb of Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The RDS is on main roads and is accessed by several public transport services: buses, suburban rail (DART) and air coach.

Bus
There are a number of bus routes that drop passengers to the door of the RDS7 / 7A (no 7A service on weekends), 18, 45. 46 (no 46 service on weekends), 46A, 63 and the 84. Others within a ten-minute walk: 10, 116, 117 (No service on weekends) and 746.

AirThe RDS is only 16km from Dublin International Airport. An air coach runs from outside the airport every 15 minutes and drops outside of the main entrance to the Show.

Parking
Over 2,000 parking spaces are available on site. Parking is configured at the RDS according to the location, timing and nature of the event so it is recommended to call to check parking arrangements before setting off for the event (+353 1 668 0866 (9am - 5pm Mon-Fri)).

By Rail
Suburban Rail
It is only a short walk from the Lansdowne Road and Sandymount suburban rail (DART) stations to the RDS.

Main Train Lines
There are two main train stations in Dublin: Connelly Street & Heuston. You can connect to the DART directly from Connelly Street Station. From Heuston Station you can catch one of the buses to Connelly Street then connect to the DART.