FROMTHEBFA
Why not be a part of something that was made for you? asks pip Wilkins
results. Sound familiar? Franchising is the sector most suited to unite behind a trade association. If you operate ethically and are proud of it, isn’t it time you got involved with the British Franchise Association (bfa) and shouted about it?
A
The bfa is the voice of ethical franchising in the UK. The more of that ethical industry we represent, the louder that collective voice; louder to government, to media, to businesses, and to consumers.
The Association was originally set up to distinguish franchisors operating ethically from others. While its work has since branched out into a host of other areas, that central tenet still forms the core of the bfa.
group of like-minded parts combining with each other to form a collective whole with shared goals and ambitions, generating greater awareness and
you want to distinguish your great business from the less scrupulous operators out there? Joining the bfa is not as simple as turning up with a cheque and you’re in – which is precisely why franchisors take such pride in being able to display the bfa logo as members of the association. The membership logo is a mark of ethics, standards and credibility within the franchise sector, recognised both nationally and internationally. The knowledge that the industry’s standards body has examined a business’s franchise model, and confirmed that it operates ethically and for the sustainable benefit of its franchisees, is a powerful tool for recruiting prospects and growing a successful network.
“We were set up by franchisors just like you, for the benefit of franchisors just like you”
Make no mistake, we’re still as member-led today as we ever were. Our members sit on and run our committees, make up our board of directors, steer the present and the future direction of our organisation and our sector that has thrived where others have struggled. Just as in the 1970s when we started out, today some people still think of franchises as something to be mistrusted. That’s because there are people out there, as in any walk of life, that give this industry – our industry – a bad name. So if you operate ethically, don’t
It puts a stamp on your business that says
“we’re proud of our franchise model and how it supports our franchisees and have chosen to put it up against the toughest industry standards to affirm that”. What message could be stronger if you want to reach the cream of the crop in the field of franchisee recruitment? Franchisees have peace of mind in knowing that the opportunity they’re considering investing in – your franchise opportunity – has chosen, voluntarily, to put itself up against these checks, and passed them. There’s a lot more that comes with those
standards, however, than just appealing to the best franchisee prospects – respectability and credibility; better growth prospects; more avenues to find franchisees; shared knowhow and practice; support for problems and issues that every franchisor faces; discounts on business services that can genuinely improve your offering; exceptional PR opportunities
pip Wilkins
is head of operations at the British Franchise Association. For more information about membership visit
www.thebfa.org
Pip Wilkins
across the franchise press, regional press and national press in print, online, on social media and through TV and radio… membership pays for itself if you take advantage of what’s on offer. The banks involved in franchising all respect that membership logo too. They understand the accreditation process, the quality needed to gain it, and look more favourably on a franchise that has already passed checks conducted by the bfa. That, in turn, puts your brand in a better position to both offer financial assistance to franchisees and fund your head office support growth and expansion... and so the cycle goes. Get involved and get engaged. We know
that it’s not an insignificant cost to join, but if you make the most of your membership, then you’ll see that cost repaid many times over. Want to see us do things differently? Then get on board, make your voice heard and we’ll listen. We were set up by franchisors just like you, for the benefit of franchisors just like you. That part hasn’t changed either. The history, evolution and standards of the bfa make its members stand out in a growing and competitive marketplace. Shouldn’t you be a part of that? n
Franchisor News | 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52