British Franchise Association acquires Approved Franchise Association

Two organisations to combine under umbrella of the bfa

The British Franchise Association and Approved Franchise Association have announced they are to become one organisation under the umbrella of the bfa.

The two organisations have described the move as “a huge step forward for the industry as a whole”.

The bfa was founded in 1977, while the AFA was established in 2012.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, says: “Over the past 18 months, the bfa has gone from strength to strength, with increased services and more inclusivity to become everyone’s trusted partner in franchising. 

“When Claire [Robinson, CEO of the AFA] and I spoke about the acquisition, it became clear we had been on very similar journeys, but on separate paths. 

“The bfa’s core values are centred around passion and integrity and we both have a great passion to educate and support businesses in franchising. 

“I believe that everything happens for a reason and have no doubt that now is the right time for us to work together for the greater good of franchising. 

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the existing AFA members and understanding their stories.”

Claire, who’s also managing director of home help and domestic services franchise Extra Help, will take on the role of bfa Lifestyle Ambassador following the acquisition.

She will assist the bfa as it continues to develop services, extend influence to support all franchises and promote the benefits of business format franchising to as wide an audience as possible

Claire says: “Six years ago there was a real need for support amongst the smaller, lifestyle franchise companies, which is the gap the AFA filled in the marketplace. 

“I’m proud to have grown it to where it is today, but I’m now keen to focus on the growth of my own franchise business. 

“I’ve witnessed the transition of the bfa to become a much more inclusive association, with a desire to support every type of franchise business. 

“I’m excited about the future and how Pip and I can work together over the next 12 months to support the AFA members with a transition to bfa membership. 

“I really feel I have made the best decision for the industry in choosing the bfa to become my trusted partner too.”