By Matt Haller, President & CEO, International Franchise Association

Looking back on this year’s International Franchise Show in London, it’s clear that franchising’s global momentum is stronger than ever. The surge in both attendees and exhibitors was impossible to miss, and at a time when so much of the world feels uncertain, the chance to gather in person and rally around a shared mission felt especially meaningful. Franchising, at its core, is about more than business—it’s about building communities, creating opportunities, and offering entrepreneurs and investors a proven path forward, whether you’re in the U.S., the UK, or anywhere else around the globe.
At the International Franchise Association (IFA), we’re committed to living up to our name and putting the “International” in IFA. That means showing up, forging partnerships, and sharing expertise with our peers worldwide. IFA’s presence at events like this not only brings credibility and resources but also strengthens the ties that make the franchise community so resilient and dynamic.
One of the key messages we emphasized throughout the show was the importance of due diligence. It’s a recurring theme in our conversations with prospective franchisees—and for good reason. As IFA Hall of Famer Doc Cohen reminded attendees, “Franchising works best when there’s a strong match between the business model and the individual. It’s not just about brand recognition—it’s about knowing yourself, doing your homework, and making sure the system aligns with how you want to work and grow.” His advice was a powerful reminder that long-term success in franchising stems from careful, intentional decisions made at the start of the journey.
This theme of being on the ground carried over into conversations around expansion strategy. As Gary Robins, a multi-unit franchisee and IFA officer, put it during a seminar: “If you’re just looking at a map and not staying in touch with the people on the ground, you’ve probably got a problem. You need to be out there. How are economic pressures showing up in real life – not just on a spreadsheet?” That grounded perspective resonated with many at the show and served as a reminder that franchise growth isn’t only about markets and models—it’s about listening, observing, and adapting in real time.
For U.S. brands with international ambitions, the UK remains a market full of promise. While its growth rate may differ from the U.S., the appetite for new concepts is real, especially as the local franchise sector evolves and matures. Brands that have reached saturation at home are now looking abroad with optimism, ready to bring their expertise and innovation to new audiences.
That’s why we’re encouraging more American franchisors to take part in future shows. There’s a real hunger for education, partnership, and best practices—and U.S. brands are well-positioned to lead and collaborate in this space.
Ultimately, what stood out most in London was a renewed sense of what makes franchising so powerful: it’s a people-first model that delivers global reach and local impact. IFA is proud to help drive that growth and to support entrepreneurs on both sides of the Atlantic as they build the next generation of franchise success stories.

Search