Choosing the right franchise is one of the most important decisions an aspiring business owner will make. In this seminar, John Preston — ex-investment banker and Master Franchisee of Mathnasium UK — shares a structured, commercially grounded approach to evaluating franchise opportunities.

Drawing on experience from global banking institutions and building a national franchise network, John explores how to define your own selection criteria before engaging with any brand. The session examines what makes a franchise truly investable, including scalability, intellectual property, recession resilience, ROI potential and the strength of proven systems.

Attendees will learn how to assess credibility signals such as BFA membership, industry awards, leadership quality, customer reviews and franchisee satisfaction. The seminar also covers what franchisors typically look for in franchisees and how to position yourself effectively during the enquiry process.

A significant focus is placed on asking the right questions — covering training and support, royalties, technology, marketing funds, territory rights and financial requirements. Rather than promoting a single opportunity, this session provides a practical due-diligence framework that can be applied across any franchise sector.

By the end of the seminar, attendees will have a clearer understanding of their own objectives, a stronger ability to evaluate franchise models critically, and greater confidence in determining whether an opportunity aligns with their ambitions.