We have just released the agenda for the first Annual International Summit, this year taking place in Oxford, England. This is to be the first of many International Summits planned for our rapidly growing international network of franchise consultants. We expect the Summit will be a popular and important annual event offering the best of educational and networking opportunities for both franchisors/sponsors and the MatchPoint team of consultants. The Summit and attendee events have been organized by Victoria Conte, Senior Vice President of Operations of MatchPoint and her team.

The Summit is booked for May 8 through to May 11, at The Oxford Belfry Hotel, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire.  Summit sponsor is Snap Fitness, and sponsors for other events during the three days of speakers, presentations and workshops are Platinum Property Partners, SOPRA Brands, DLA Piper, Tutor Doctor and WSI, Internet Consulting and Education.  Speakers include franchise expert Gary Findley, COO of Snap Fitness, and Phil Zeidman, Senior Partner, DLA Piper, who will be speaking about the legal landscape, both in the U.S. and International.  Day 2 includes a two-part workshop on the highly topical subject of Social Media. In addition to speakers addressing the specifics of building a franchise brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland, there will be special presentations of UK brands and time scheduled for one on one interaction with exhibitors and sponsors.

As well as some fun activities before dinner events, Summit attendees will relax with a range of extracurricular activities including Golf and an onsite Spa, and spouses have a program of a collection of activities to choose from including as the opportunity for sightseeing in and around the Oxford area.

Watch this space for timely reports during the Summit, giving more details on the Speakers and their presentations and the workshops.

MatchPoint Franchise Consulting Network  was born out of a vision shared by a group of leaders within the franchise industry, that there could be a better way of helping individuals find the franchise opportunity of their dreams and a better way of helping franchisors identify efficiently the best potential franchisees. Match Point`s goal is to build the world’s most successful international network of franchise consultants representing the industry’s premier franchise brands, delivering value as a trusted partner to the best franchise brands, and offering high-value services to  prospective franchisee clients.

Taking on a small business franchise as the recession eases may be less of a risk than you think.  It is certainly easier in a recession to find the better performers and the strong brands, as well as a product or service with a demand that is still growing and will outlast your long term exit strategy.

The franchise business model can get you established and profitable in a shorter time than other small business ownership options and industry experience is not a requirement. Other benefits of the franchise business model are that the franchisee has the proven marketing and support systems of the franchisor and the contractual process allows for a level of transparency that minimizes the risk of business failure for many of the same reasons that other small business ventures may fail.

There are many traps for the unwary new investor—insufficient startup capital, a lack of general business acumen, not understanding the level of commitment required and its effect on family life, and a failure to be alert to promoters practicing various forms of commercial fraud.

Is a franchise business opportunity right for you?  If you can share the passion for the brand with the franchisor, understand the need to build a team following the proven system and procedures and focus on building sales in your territory, then success is likely to be mutual.  An honest self evaluation of your potential business skills should come hand in hand with your evaluation of franchise leads.  Most franchise companies now have systems to assess the potential, qualified franchisee.  They are looking for the best fit just as you are. The franchisor wants to ensure that you are financially sound and highly motivated, with both leadership and management skills. Also, your background, work ethic and personality are all attributes important to the franchisor.  This initial period of mutual assessment is vital to both parties.   

MatchPoint Franchise Consulting Network was founded in 2006 with a mission of helping companies expand their franchise networks and improve their systems.  The advice offered freely to franchise buyers by MatchPoint consultants is vital to the buyer in making a better, more prudent, buying decision.  The advice offered by our consultants does not make us lawyers; it is there to help the investor with a high quality due diligence process.  It is an effective hedge against the misrepresentation and fraud sometimes propagated by less than reputable business opportunity marketers.  

MatchPoint consultants trained by Nigel Mayne know the red flags of fraud in the investment field.  It takes the very few promoters that practice business fraud to taint the dream of an investor and their family.  

That`s where seeking the independent advice of an expert franchising consultant is prudent and invaluable. 

We’re now well into February 2011 and those New Year resolutions likely are forgotten dreams.   Except for that one significant promise, to become master of your own destiny and invest in your own business. 

 If owning your own business is one of your goals this year, there are some trends in your favour.  Slow to moderate overall economic growth in many countries hard hit by the recession is forecast to continue through 2011.  In the US, the small business sector remained in recession in 2010, lagging in recovery, but is predicted to see stronger demand and better business conditions this coming year. 

Key trends seen as driving the growth of small business through 2011 are

·         small manufacturing businesses in niche markets  aided by technology  making barriers to entry lower,

·         the weak dollar aiding US manufacturing cost competitiveness,

·         the internet becoming more widely known to small business as a low cost way of sourcing and selling goods and services.

·         Small business growing more familiar with and making greater use of social media in their local marketing efforts -think Groupon Inc and its highly successful coupon business supporting local deals!

When time is not on your side, the resilient and proven franchise business model allows you a faster way to generating positive cash flow.  As the old adage goes, it’s your own business, you just don`t have to go it alone.  Strong viable franchise opportunities are there for the qualified buyer, so how to join that select group? 

Access to financing from traditional sources is expected to remain tight in the US throughout 2011, in spite of the Government’s continuing efforts to support small business through tough times.  We recommend that potential franchise buyers be cautious when selecting companies to do their 401(k) rollovers or when selecting a financing company – with all of the fraud that has occurred in the banking sector over the last several years, finding a reputable company to provide you financing is more important than ever and a winning point in your favor with franchisors.

I founded MatchPoint Franchise Consulting Network in 2006 with a mission of helping companies expand their franchise networks and improve their system profitability.  Its mission included improving the quality of new Franchisees coming into a system.

Advice is offered freely to franchise buyers by MatchPoint consultants and is vital to you in making a better, prudent, buying decision.  The advice offered by our consultants does not make us lawyers; it is there to help you, with a high quality due diligence process.  It is an effective hedge against misrepresentation and fraud sometimes propagated by less than reputable business opportunity marketers.  

MatchPoint consultants trained by Nigel Mayne</a> know the red flags in the investment field.  It takes the very few promoters that practice business fraud to taint the dream of an individual and their family.   That`s why seeking the independent advice of an expert franchising consultant at the start of your due diligence process is both wise and invaluable.