The British Franchise Association reports on the progress of the organisation’s Qualified Franchise Professional programme
The British Franchise Association’s national training programme for franchisors and professional advisers, the Qualified Franchise Professional, has reached the landmark of 100 people successfully attaining the qualification.
Nicola Haythorne of Pitman Training (pictured) was the centenary QFP, joining an elite group of people who have demonstrated their knowledge, learning and continuing professional development in franchising.
Core learning courses
The QFP involves a series of core learning courses on franchisee recruitment, motivation, monitoring and financial understanding, alongside attendance at a number of knowledge sharing events. Attaining the QFP shows an individual’s commitment to best practice in the sector.
Delegates are required to attend four core workshops, as well as the bfa’s annual conference and elective elements, in order to achieve enough points to progress to the final stage - a professional dialogue in front of three of six members of the QFP expert panel.
Andrew Quail, chairman of the panel, holds an in-depth discussion with each candidate before the qualification can be awarded.
He says of those taking the course: “Franchise professionals come in all types and styles. Some have been in franchising for many years, others for only two or three years. Some are middle managers, others are CEOs.
“What they have in common is an enthusiasm for franchising and an open mind about gaining knowledge and further guidance about franchising from whatever sources within the franchise community.”
Industry-wide recognition
Carly Liaromatis, the bfa’s accreditation manager who administers the QFP programme, says: “This is a welcome milestone in the history of the QFP. Individuals who have qualified and seen the benefits are now putting their staff through the programme - it’s a great way to enhance the management of your network, improve skills on a business and personal level and achieve industry-wide recognition.”
After qualifying, Nicola Haythorne said: “The process has greatly increased my knowledge of the franchising industry and ability to promote ethical practice in my role as franchise sales manager at Pitman Training.
“My learning has been fuelled by my passion for franchising and my experience throughout the duration has been second to none. The QFP programme has enabled me to confidently implement new procedures, which have had a positive impact in various areas of Pitman Training’s business.”
QFP IN NUMBERS
- Since its launch in 2010, nearly 250 people have registered.
- Over 100 have now qualified - around 60 per cent are franchisors and 40 per cent affiliate advisers.
- More than one third of this year’s British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisor of the Year finalists have QFP holders at a senior level in the business.
- Qualifying courses are now offered by three training providers - The Franchise Training Centre, Franchise Finance and Coconut Creatives.
