When is The National Franchise Exhibition 2026 open?

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026, from 10am to 4pm on both days.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entry is free; book a ticket online and it is emailed to you to print or show on your phone.

In Hall 3 of the NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The NEC is a five-minute walk from Birmingham International railway station and has on-site parking that can be pre-booked.

Who can I contact about exhibiting?

The organiser takes stand enquiries on 020 8394 5207 or by email at franchise@vmgl.com.

The National Franchise Exhibition 2026

Name: The National Franchise Exhibition 2026
Start: 2026-10-02T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-03T16:00:00+00:00
Location: NEC Birmingham

About this event

The National Franchise Exhibition is the UK's flagship franchise event and one of the only franchise shows supported by the British Franchise Association (BFA). Over two days in Hall 3 of the NEC, more than 100 franchise brands across sectors from food and beverage to care, education and fitness meet prospective franchisees, with investment levels starting under £10,000. A free programme of 50+ talks, workshops and panels explains how the franchise model works and how to fund, choose and grow a franchise.

Who attends

The show is aimed at people planning to buy a franchise, existing franchisees looking to add units, and business owners considering franchising their own company.

Prospective franchisees and first-time business owners
Existing franchisees with multi-unit growth plans
Companies exploring franchising as a growth route
Overseas brands seeking UK partners

Features on the show floor

Alongside the exhibitor stands, the 2026 edition runs a set of themed zones and sessions.

Multi-unit Franchise Conference
McDonald's Insight Sessions
BFA Franchising Seminars
The Finance Zone with NatWest, Lloyds, Barclays and specialist lenders
Professional Advisors: lawyers, consultants and finance providers
International Pavilion
Low-cost Franchise Showcase (startup costs under £10,000)
Vehicle-based Franchise Showcase
Real Franchise Stories panels

Keynotes

Anisa Khan, founder of Bombay Pizza and a 2025 finalist on BBC's The Apprentice, speaks on Friday 2 October on scaling from a solo venture. Former Dragons' Den investor Piers Linney gives a keynote on putting AI to work on Saturday 3 October. Keynote seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.