The British Franchise Association (BFA) evolved from the franchise industry itself in 1977 as the only voluntary accreditation body for franchising in the UK. Its remit is to develop and continuously improve the standards of good practice in franchising and to accredit franchisors who meet these standards. Many organisations say that they are 'franchisers'
not all are, and not all are accredited by the BFA.
The BFA accredits franchise companies for membership on the basis of a strict standards structure. These standards comprise the company's financial position, its day-to-day business activity, the disclosures made to prospective franchisees and the terms of the franchise agreement.
These standards are based on the European Code of Ethics for franchising - agreed by the member associations of the European Franchise Federation in 1990 and recognised by the European Commission. Companies are re-accredited for BFA membership on a regular basis.
However, it is important to note that the BFA's detailed checks concern the company's fitness to franchise rather than the suitability of, and prospects for, a particular product or service for a particular market.
Alongside the BFA's reputation for high franchising standards, which in turn works to enhance the image of its members and their businesses, the BFA offers many services and benefits to support members and provide all levels of help for prospective franchisees.
As part of the European Franchise Federation the BFA is able to lobby the European government as well as the UK government on behalf of its members. The BFA is ensuring that its members' voices are heard and its members' interests are protected from unwanted legislation in UK and Europe.
The BFA assists members with recruiting good quality franchisees. It provides many marketing platforms, including Franchise Link magazine, which is exclusive to BFA members. The BFA website also provides a direct link to its members for prospective franchisees who are shopping for franchisors on-line.
The BFA has recently joined forces with Business Link to develop a franchisee development programme, comprising franchise workshops. The workshops are to be rolled out nationally and will support prospective franchisees in identifying and assessing available franchise opportunities, as well as developing the skills necessary to exploit those opportunities.
The organisation also produces independent franchisees and franchisors guides, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, which feature details of all BFA members. Approximately 33 per cent of all new franchisees purchase the BFA Franchisee's Guide prior to making a decision.
Restricted to BFA members or genuine business format franchise opportunities, there are four BFA endorsed exhibitions held throughout the year. Members are entitled to automatic discounted entry to these exhibitions and discounted advertising and other costs.
All members have access to accredited professional advisers and experience is shared at the annual national meeting and regional meetings held in five areas on a twice-yearly basis. The BFA also produces a quarterly newsletter and newsflashes to keep members updated on news and BFA activity on their behalf.
National Franchise Week is co-ordinated by the BFA and VMG, organisers of the four annual franchise exhibitions in the UK. Participation is only available to BFA members to demonstrate to an otherwise unknowing consumer exactly which companies are part of the £9.3 billion industry. The campaign is to highlight the franchising concept as one of the safest methods of starting your own business and the security of having a tried and tested business formula and support behind you.
Ultimately, BFA membership is a benchmark of quality, providing public recognition as well as evidence that your company is truly established and offers a fair and ethical franchise opportunity.
British Franchise Association: 01491 578050.
www.british-franchise.org
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