Articles

We’re no strangers to the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC — but this year felt different. Bigger conversations, busier aisles, and more people asking the right questions about their financial foundations.

It took place over two days, Friday Oct. 3 and Saturday Oct. 4. Friday was the busiest we’ve ever seen it. Saturday opened to the public free of charge — a completely different energy, full of people at the start of their franchising journey, looking for inspiration or their next big move. Amongst the consultants, lenders and franchise food systems, Aedon was the only stand dedicated solely to accounting software for franchisors and franchisees. And it showed.

Many visitors told us the same story: “We started with one store, now we have five, and the spreadsheets are starting to crack.” Growth exposes weak systems — and franchisors are realising that finance needs to grow as fast as operations.

We spoke to so many people we were asking them to come back later. Even the magician on our stand ended up sparking conversations about systems, consistency and control. There was a real camaraderie between exhibitors — long days, helpful neighbours, and a shared sense that this sector is growing fast.

What came through again and again was this: franchisors want control without complexity. They don’t want to be accountants — they want visibility, accountability and stability. That’s exactly why we built Aedon.Franchising — a system designed to give franchises a financial foundation they can trust.

Want to build your franchise on something stronger than spreadsheets? Visit Aedon.Franchising.