Growing Your Own Business Conference to support new and existing entrepreneurs

Business growth experts and successful entrepreneurs to share secrets of success at the NEC, Birmingham on 15 & 16 February

Existing and aspiring business owners will learn how to nurture a flourishing venture at the free-to-attend Growing Your Own Business Conference.

The conference runs parallel with The National Franchise Exhibition and features workshops from specialists in business growth and keynote presentations from two successful entrepreneurs.

Cathy Moseley of the bold and refreshing new healthy snack brand, Boundless, will give a keynote talk at the conference on Friday 15 February. Entitled Diary of a small business owner, Cathy’s presentation will reveal the highs and lows of growing a new venture.

“Setting up in business is very challenging but so rewarding. I’ll reveal the daily realities of life as a business owner and pass on some of the key things I’ve learned along the way.”

Young entrepreneur and founder of ChicP, which produces tasty houmous from vegetables which wouldn’t otherwise make it to sale, Hannah McCollum, will present her keynote talk, Growing my own business, on Saturday 16 February.

“I look forward to sharing where my inspiration came from and how that drove me to set up the company I run today. I hope to help anyone embarking on their own business reflect on where their own passions lie, so that they can tap into the motivation that will help them succeed.”

Practical advice and insights into key skills for growing a modern business will be shared in a programme of workshops across the two days.

Social media is now an essential channel to reach potential and existing customers – and to grow sales. In his presentation on Friday 15 February, David Glenwright of JC Social Media will educate on how to create and use quality imagery to engage effectively with social media audiences.

The need for finance is often an early challenge that entrepreneurs face when setting up or growing their business. Crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise financial capital, and Sonal Shah of Simple Crowdfunding will reveal how to pursue this avenue in her presentation on the Friday.

On the same day, Ben Kench of The Business Booster will coach his audience on how to generate less stress and achieve success when going it alone, in his presentation entitled Small Business, big future.

Good business planning is at the heart of any venture, so Kevin Noble and Chris Roberts of Franchise Finance will explain how to prepare and use an effective business plan in their presentations on each day.

In two further workshops on the Saturday, The Sales Rainmaker, Jeremy Jacobs, will guide his audience on how to avoid three common sales mistakes and, for those needing to define the brand for their business, Mickey Wilson of Firestarter will outline the three key things to do when creating a brand.

Visitors will have the chance to discuss further what they’ve learned and consult with business growth specialists at the Growing Your Own Business Hub.

The Growing Your Own Business Conference is part of The National Franchise Exhibition, enabling visitors the chance to explore the lucrative world of franchising. Brands will showcase a range of opportunities, including home and van-based businesses. Investment levels from under £10,000 to upwards of £250,000 will be represented by brands including McDonald’s, Auditel, Esquires Coffee, Merry Maids and TruGreen.

Expert advice and support on how to access and succeed with a franchise will be available via a comprehensive programme of free seminars, workshops and Q&A sessions.

Helen McCulloch, portfolio sales manager for The Franchise Exhibitions comments:

 “Anyone with ambitions to start or grow a business venture will greatly benefit from the inspiration and advice that will be shared at this conference. Attendees will leave with the knowledge and confidence to propel them to success.”

To claim free tickets, visit FranchiseInfo.co.uk and use promo code FSU1.