The biggest players in franchising came together on May 16th at the IET, London for the bfa flagship event Superbrand.
This year, Superbrand was reimagined and split into three zones – the Superbrand Zone, International Developer Zone and Franchisee Investor Zone – bringing together like-minded entrepreneurs and experts. The Superbrand Zone was designed for UK franchisors thinking of taking their business overseas, the UK Developer Zone for international franchisors looking to enter the UK market, and the Franchisee Investor Zone was for multi-unit franchisees looking to expand their portfolio.
After welcomes and introductions, the day began with a look into the UK landscape and opportunities, with Emily Price QFP, COO at the bfa, focusing on the current franchising climate and what makes the UK different.
Throughout the day, Superbrand attendees heard from a variety of franchise industry giants in the three concurrent zones. These covered a wide range of vital topics such as the UK legal framework, the changing face of business, how to ensure good ROI and identifying the right franchise partners, depending on the zone.
There was also the Superbrand Speed Debate, where international franchisors from brands such as Carl’s Junior, 30-Minute Hit, Sbarro and others explaining how their brands have expanded and offered their top tips to attendees.
Liahll Bruce, National Franchise Manager at Barclays, stated on Linkedin:
“Fantastic event today organised by the British Franchise Association. Insightful from start to finish with great keynote speakers provoking some healthy debate on routes to market a franchise and some of the risks associated with international expansion.”
Superbrand also benefited from the insights of two keynote speakers.
Leo Johnson, the co-presenter of Radio 4’s flagship program ‘Future Proofing’, focused on the role of humans in the workforce as automation and artificial intelligence become the norm, but remained optimistic that the franchising industry in general would be able to adapt quicker to change.
Gordon Drakes, partner at law firm Field Fisher, was pleased with the event, enthusing on Linkedin:
“Great panel of North American (and a South African) brands comparing notes on international expansion. A number of bfa franchisors and operators also in attendance. Leo Johnson (Boris’ brother) did a fascinating (and terrifying!) keynote speech on the future of tech and impact it could have on our lives and businesses.”
Rounding off the event was keynote speaker Michael Heppell. Michael is global speaker and an international best-selling author who discussed self-belief, personal development and how to get out of comfort zones.
Superbrand 2020 will be unveiled in due course.