The British Franchise Association
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The British Franchise Association (bfa)
The British Franchise Association (bfa) was established in 1977 and is the only voluntary self-accrediting body for the UK franchise sector. Its aim is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstance for growth. It does this with a self-regulatory, standards based approach to membership of the association. In addition the bfa works to increase the awareness of ethical franchising by communicating with government, academia, the media and the UK public on what constitutes franchising best practice.
Through media exposure and educational activity, the bfa also looks to improve the general knowledge of franchising to those looking at it as a growth model for their existing business; looking at buying into a franchise; or the benefits as a consumer from buying from a franchise outlet.
Membership of the bfa is divided into 3 levels of franchisor membership and affiliate membership for professional advisors. The franchisor members have to meet the standards set by the Association in order to establish that their franchise represents a fair, ethical and disclosed opportunity. The standards are adopted from the European Franchise Federation (EFF) Code of Ethics and set out in The bfa Ethics of Franchising.
Franchising is an industry that has come a long way in a short time. Today the franchise business model has been applied right across the spectrum of businesses; from home run dog walking businesses, through to multinational retail businesses.
With such a massive array of industry types, format, markets and investment levels, franchisees can be overwhelmed as to which ones to apply for. There are many processes needed, such as matching the franchise with your own personal, business and financial strengths and weaknesses. However, one key factor is whether you are buying into an ethical, proven and truly transferable business. This is where it is important to know which franchise businesses have met the membership standards of the bfa, which are listed on the bfa's website: www.thebfa.org.
The bfa continues to further develop its activities, as both a body to accredit and promote excellence in the franchising industry, but also as an influential voice in parliament and to the general public. You can contact the bfa on 01865 379892 or email at: mailroom@thebfa.org
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