JEDDAH, 8 January — International franchise companies looking to set up shop in the Kingdom will compete for potential investors during a Franchise Investors' Forum at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Jeddah tomorrow.

During the 3-day event, representatives of 10 companies from Canada, Britain, France, Sweden and the United States will present franchise investment opportunities in various sectors, including health, beauty and fast food.

Steven Vanson, franchise development manager of English First, an international English language school, established in Sweden in 1963, says his company is seeking to grant licensee rights to an investor with good financial resources and contacts to set up a multiple chain of schools in the region.

Excited about his first visit to the Kingdom, Steven noted that this was also the first franchise forum for English First, which started its franchise business in 1993 and now has up to 50 schools in many developing countries including Indonesia and Chile.

The event, the second of its kind to be held in the Kingdom, is an attractive setup for English First, Steven said. "Its excellent organization and selection of companies makes it conducive to our way of doing business," he added.

During his busy stay in the Kingdom, Steven will meet with potential investors. He is optimistic that with the support of the event's sponsors, the Franchise Development Services, his current trip will prove to be a success.