The bfa and VMG renew exclusive long-term agreement

An exclusive, long-term agreement has been finalised between The British Franchise Association and Venture Marketing Group that will see both parties working more closely together.

In a powerful new strategy, Venture Marketing Group (VMG) and the British Franchise Association (bfa) will work side by side to ensure the nationwide promotion of VMG exhibitions through all marketing and bfa mediums. Mike Goddard, bfa Chairman, stated: “The focus and objective of our partnership is clear. Together we will provide the franchise industry with the best franchise events in the UK that deliver high quality potential franchisees, whilst maintaining ethical standards in franchising.”

Brian Smart, bfa director general, said: “The bfa’s core objective of ensuring and upholding the highest ethical standards in franchising is a thread that should continue throughout the entire fabric of the industry. VMG’s position in the market makes it an ideal and very welcome partner in upholding this standard and educating those entering the market.”

John Hancock, VMG managing director, added: “This is excellent news for the franchise sector and in particular for franchisors growing their network through recruitment. In these uncertain times franchisors can be confident that both organisations are committed to high quality and standards.”

VMG has been serving the franchise community as the leading exhibition organiser for more than 16 years. John Hancock said: “Key changes to the franchise portfolio are already being implemented and we are delighted to continue working with the bfa to deliver a new and fresh approach to franchisee recruitment.”

VMG will continue to promote the bfa through its franchise products portfolio, via multiple media streams; exhibitions, magazines and websites. The bfa brand will benefit from significant exposure from the extensive marketing campaign that spans 365 days a year.

The mark of a high quality exhibition The bfa and VMG remain committed to the delivery of ethical franchise exhibitions. As the only self-regulating body for the franchise industry in the UK, the bfa’s purpose is to promote and accredit excellence. Its exclusive role in maintaining standards at VMG events is crucial. All franchisors must be accredited by the bfa in order to exhibit at a VMG franchise exhibition.

Brian Smart said: “This is the franchise quality test that has set VMG’s exhibitions apart from any others over the years and the bfa is delighted that even in these tough economic times VMG is remaining true to the bfa principal of high quality.”

“The bfa accreditation process for exhibiting at an event will remain robust. Franchisors exhibit, safe in the knowledge that they are part of a high quality event and visitors can meet with exhibitors safe in the knowledge that they have been vetted and are running an ethical franchise.”