BFANEWS
Best of British: new partnership for bfa and British Gas
The British Gas team, led by Dave Daniels (third from left), with the bfa’s chairman, Simon Bartholomew (centre) and head of operations, Pip Wilkins (second from right)
n The British Franchise Association (bfa) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with British Gas after the energy provider became the fourth brand partner of the Association. With energy costs consistently cited by both franchisors and franchisees as having a significant impact on their bottom line in the annual bfa/NatWest Franchise Survey, the new partnership provides a welcome opportunity to drive down running costs for operators in the sector. British Gas has created an energy solution specifically tailored to franchise brands and their ability to leverage the buying power of their network – quoting prices based on the combined energy spend of multiple businesses, rather than looking at an individual’s spend. The British Gas franchise team, headed up by Dave Daniels with the support of sales managers operating throughout England, Wales and Scotland, will work with franchisors to explore the cost-saving options made possible through economies of scale; the greater the number of franchisees involved, the higher the potential savings to be made. Dean Ewart, director of business markets at British Gas, said: “We know that many franchisees are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills, money which can then be reinvested back into the business. By using the buying strength of an entire network, we’re excited to be able to offer
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a solution which should help franchise businesses see their energy prices fall. We look forward to working with the bfa to help their members achieve these savings.” Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, commented: “The decision of one of the UK’s best-known brands to enter the sector reflects the growing importance of franchising in the country’s business landscape. We’re impressed by the commitment shown by British Gas to understand the challenges facing franchise businesses and create solutions that offer genuine benefits to franchisors and franchisees alike. “With energy prices central to the cost of doing business for many networks, this is a
partnership that can offer significant immediate and long-term benefits to the franchise community. We look forward to working with British Gas and helping franchisees to recognise the inherent advantages that come from being part of a wider business network.” A select group, bfa brand partners are businesses that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the needs of franchisors and have created bespoke solutions to meet those needs cost-effectively. Current brand partners alongside British Gas are Atlas Mapping, Moreland Insurance and
printing.com, all of whom offer special discounts to bfa members. Further details can be found on the bfa website,
www.thebfa.org.
Auto enrolment: are you prepared?
n The bfa is working closely with The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and other experts to ensure that its members are kept fully appraised of all the rules surrounding auto enrolment regulations.
Alongside specialist seminars on the subject, members have access to a number of helpful guides to smooth the transition for both franchisor and franchisees, if necessary.
TPR is urging SMEs to find out when their new workplace pensions duties begin, after recent research shows many have yet to check when automatic enrolment will affect their business.
TPR assesses that only one in four micro- employers and half of small employers know their staging date.
Thousands of medium-sized employers (50- 89 employees) due to stage this year should now have in place a suitable pension provider and payroll software. Strong links with the Department for Work and Pensions is just one more reason for ethically operating franchisors to get involved in the bfa and receive the right advice on business regulations. For more information on auto enrolment,
turn to page 24.
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