PFA Visits British Franchise Expo. With the intention of opening opportunities for inter-regional trade exchange, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) recently embarked on a trade mission to London to visit the British and International Franchise Exhibition held at the Grand Olympia Hall. During the visit at the expo, the members of the PFA trade mission met with various British businesses to explore partnership possibilities as well as promote the Philippines as the gateway to the ASEAN region, while, at the same time, recognizing the value of the United Kingdom as a gateway to the EU. The idea of creating a Manila-London bridge to help facilitate trade exchange between the ASEAN and the EU – particularly in the area of overseas expansion of franchises from both regions – was formed during the said trade mission, which was funded by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Photo shows Mr. Samie Lim, PFA Chairman Emeritus and trade mission head with Ms. Joyce Guzon of the UKTI office in Manila and Mr. Ken Braddock, HSBC Senior Franchise Manager. The said bank is known for its generous support of the franchise sector, especially in the EU. Mr. Lim hopes that Philippine banks will also do the same for the local franchise sector. He notes that given the high success rate of franchising, which makes it virtually recession-resistant, franchises are wise investment options for aspiring entrepreneurs especially in these challenging times. Providing funding assistance to the sector will create business and job opportunities, which will help keep the economy’s wheels running.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) recently embarked on a trade mission to London, United Kingdom to attend the British International Franchise Exhibition and explore business opportunities and partnerships with British companies. Part of the PFA business delegations itinerary was a visit to the UK Trade and Investment Headquarters at the Kingsgate House in London, where the group attended a business/trade briefing and an overview of retailing in UK. Photo shows UKTI officials Mr. Dele Muji (seated, 2^nd from left), Mr. Steve Raulston (seated, 4^th from left) and Mr. Manny Silverman (seated, 5^th from left). Heading the trade mission was Mr. Samie Lim (seated, 3^rd from left), PFA Chairman Emeritus, assisted by Ms. Bing Limjoco, PFA Chairman. The rest of the delegation – CEOs and top executives of various businesses – were (standing, left to right) Mr. Jobi Millar, Ms. Tiffany Millar, Mr. Gregory Lim, Mr. Jan Vincent Kierulf, Mr. Noel Siggaoat, Ms. Rebecca Bucad, Ms. Joy Cabreros and Ms. Chit Estrada, PFA Executive Director. The trip, which received funding support from the UKTI office in Manila, proved helpful in opening up possible areas for trade and cooperation just like the proposed Manila-London Bridge, which where trade – particularly in the overseas expansion of franchises – can be facilitated between the two countries and regions, EU and ASEAN.