The latest news, views and events from the British Franchise Association

Emily Price shares all the latest news, views and events from the British Franchise Association

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Incorporating the best in business at the BFA’s annual conference

June saw the British Franchise Association provide a content-rich learning platform for franchisors, franchisees and industry professionals, with insights from keynote speakers, franchising experts and industry influencers at their annual conference. The theme ‘transforming your business for the next generation’ was created to raise awareness about the opportunities available within franchising, along with the need to adapt in order to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Although franchising was very much at the heart of the event, keynotes focused on the pace of change and how to use it to your advantage, whilst ensuring people are empowered, and able to deal with it. There were some powerful messages from the association’s CEO, Pip Wilkins too ‘Together, we are franchising and the association’s focus is to connect with its customers and lead on innovation to continue protecting the industry’. This all comes as the association embarks on its conversations with government to ensure franchising has the recognition needed to participate in legislative conversations.

Celebrating success in a £17.2bn industry

The bfa HSBC Franchise Awards saw some new categories introduced to showcase industry trend. The best in UK franchising walked away with accolades including leadership & culture, young franchisee, brand awareness & innovation, and the ultimate franchisor of the year - this year won by Driver Hire. All finalists and winners will benefit from a six month PR campaign and we are excited to see how this will help build on their success for the year ahead. Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners this year.

Franchising the next generation

Throughout 2019, ActionCOACH, Cash Converters, Driving Miss Daisy and Angela’s Swim School have all participated in ‘Franchising the next generation’, an ITN Productions industry news programme, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky, OBE. The programme showcases the positive impact franchising has on individuals, business, society and the economy, and are hosted on the bfa’s website and YouTube channel. The campaign will run for the next 12 months, so keep an eye out for features and insights.

September delivers a ‘national month of learning’ in franchising

Six member forums, a content strategy specialist seminar and Scottish Franchise Week all with a focus on supporting careers and business ownership in franchising. The Scottish Franchise Week promises to offer opportunities for anybody interested in franchising in Scotland. We are looking forward to a franchise debate in chambers, a PR outreach campaign with a local MP, the launch of a Scottish franchising Supplement in partnership with DC Thomson and of course the Scottish Business Breakfast, the place to be if you want to make things happen in Scotland.

The franchise trust aims to reduce UK unemployment rates

In partnership with Prime 2 Learn, the Franchise Trust has launched a Franchise Trust Employment Academy. The programme identifies people who, with the assistance of an employability programme, can fulfil entry-level jobs in franchising. The training is worth £1,000 per individual, funded by the government. Franchisors and their networks can benefit by detailing vacancies so the Academy can match candidates to their local opportunities.

The British Franchise Association creates standards for the UK franchise industry, through educational programmes, support and connectivity. They represent and protect the industry in partnership with their members. To find out more or to become a member please contact mailroom@thebfa.org or visit www.thebfa.org

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