Global Franchise Issue 10.1

01 Welcome from the IFA The seminar was all about connection and collaboration, especially between the U.S. and UK. Attendees spent the day immersed in expert-led sessions, hearing from franchise leaders who’ve been through the ups and downs of international expansion. Matt Haller, President & CEO of the IFA, opened with a strong message: franchising isn’t just resilient – it’s a global growth engine, driving innovation, job creation, and opportunity. And that spirit ran through every session, with practical advice to equip and inspire attendees to take their next international step. 02 Funding the future Speakers from the seminar sponsor NatWest, the UK-based bank, helped cut through the complexity of UK franchise funding, walking delegates through options like the government’s Growth Guarantee Scheme and Start Up Loans – both designed to improve access to finance for small businesses. NatWest’s economist Philip Bartlett offered a candid but cautiously optimistic UK economic forecast. Then, Rocco Fiorentino of Benetrends introduced the Rainmaker Plan®, a ROBS-based model that helps U.S. entrepreneurs invest retirement savings into franchises – tax-free and debt-free. 03 Cross-border compliance Legal experts from law firms DLA Piper and Greenberg Traurig delivered a clear comparison between U.S. and UK franchise laws.While the U.S. is tightly regulated with state-specific disclosure rules, the UK offers more flexibility though franchisors are still expected to act responsibly. A fictional case study, “FreshBites,” helped illustrate the real-world challenges of entering new markets. The key takeaway? Global growth isn’t just about compliance – it’s about building consistent, adaptable systems that respect the nuances of each market. The International Market Entry Seminar, hosted by the IFA, kicked off this year’s International Franchise Showat London’s ExCeLCentre with energy and insight. Held in CanaryWharf, the heart of London’s financial district, the seminar brought together delegates from the UK, U.S., Australia, and Europe.With a diverse mix of franchisors, attorneys, economists, and advisors on stage, the seminar offered something for everyone – whether just starting to explore newmarkets or alreadymakingmoves abroad. Conversations were refreshingly candid, covering everything from funding challenges and legal hurdles to emerging trends and exciting growth strategies. Key takeaways from the IFA 2025 International Market Entry Seminar Breaking down borders 74 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.1