Why is the British Franchise Association important?

What is the British Franchise Association?

The British Franchise Association (BFA) is the UK’s voluntary self-regulatory body for franchising. Its purpose is to raise standards, support ethical franchising and help both franchisors and franchisees understand what good practice looks like.

It sets clear criteria for membership and offers accreditation based on proven ethical and sustainable operating models. It also provides a structure for ongoing professional development within the sector.

Because membership is voluntary, joining the BFA signals that a franchisor or professional advisor is willing to be examined, held to account and aligned with recognised industry standards.

This makes the British Franchise Association an important reference point for anyone researching or comparing franchise opportunities.

What kinds of standards and membership levels does the BFA use?

Shelley Nadler, legal director at Bird & Bird, explains that the BFA’s accreditation process is robust. “For a franchisor to become a member of the BFA, it must pass a strict accreditation process. This looks at all aspects of the franchise operation to make sure it is proven, protected, ethical, sustainable and free of ambiguity and misleading statements.”

She outlines the membership tiers:

● Full members are established franchised businesses with a proven trading and franchising record. They have an established network of franchisees.

● Associate members have proven their ability to launch and support at least one franchised outlet for 12 months. They are in the process of building their network.

● Provisionally listed companies are at the beginning of their development in franchising.

These categories help prospective franchisees understand where a business sits on the development curve.

Do UK franchisors have to comply with the British Franchise Association’s code of ethics?

John Pratt, senior partner at specialist law firm Hamilton Pratt, explains that if a franchisor is a member of the British Franchise Association, it is required by the BFA’s rules of membership to comply with its code of ethics.

Compliance shouldn’t be onerous, because the code reflects accepted industry norms. Pratt notes, “All that the code of ethics does is set out what is generally recognised as good practice in franchising.”

The courts have also recognised the code’s authority. Pratt highlights that in one legal case, “the High Court judged the actions and behaviour of the franchisor on the basis of the code of ethics, even though this particular franchisor was not a member of the BFA.”

The judge accepted that the code represents “good practice, which all franchisors should follow.”

For franchisees seeking certainty, Pratt is direct: “The only way that franchisees can ensure that their franchisor has ‘signed up’ to the requirements of the code is to enter into a franchise agreement with a member of the BFA.”

What advantages do franchisors gain by being BFA members?

From the franchisor’s perspective, membership offers credibility, guidance and tangible commercial benefits. Louise Harris, principal at Franchise Projects and franchise director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, speaks from direct experience. “There’s huge value in getting behind the association. Its role in my working life is to inform best practice in our industry.”

For her own niche business, credibility mattered. “As a quirky, niche business, we value credibility and the BFA ‘kitemark’ delivers hands down. Our franchisees all identified this was a key factor in their decision to buy a franchise with us.”

There are commercial upsides too. She explains, “A majority of our suppliers are BFA affiliates. Around 25 per cent of referred traffic on our franchise website comes from the BFA site.”

Professional development is another benefit. “Studying for the Qualified Franchise Professional qualification helped me to understand some of the critical success factors for our business through examining and implementing best practice.”

Harris also values the opportunity to help shape the industry. “I have a voice to help shape the association to support my needs as a franchisor.”

Engagement in forums, conferences and round-table discussions “provide an informative view of different aspects of franchising.”

What are the benefits of investing in a BFA member franchise?

Pratt explains that franchising appeals because “prospective franchisees want to own and operate their own business. However, they want to do it safely by reducing the risks.” A good franchise system should already lower the likelihood of failure.

However, franchisors vary widely in quality. That’s why British Franchise Association membership provides reassurance. Pratt stresses that “Membership of the British Franchise Association does not guarantee the franchisor will be a good one and that you will be successful.” However, it does indicate a commitment to good practice.

“The franchisor wants to do it right to a sufficient extent that it is prepared to go through the hoops and costs of applying for membership of the BFA and complying with its code of ethics.”

He highlights the BFA’s protective role: “The whole point about the BFA’s requirements is that the organisation is there to ensure franchisees’ interests are fully protected.” Accreditation and reaccreditation processes help ensure that “members continue to comply with its requirements.”

Pratt’s conclusion summarises the value well: “The BFA provides a mark of approval, but not a guarantee of success.”

Should my franchise solicitor be a British Franchise Association member?

According to Vicky Wilkes, head of legal at Aston Villa Football Club, franchise solicitors don’t have to be members of the BFA – but choosing one who is can offer genuine advantages.

This is because BFA-affiliated solicitors understand the sector deeply and are familiar with “‘industry standard’ when it comes to the provisions of a franchise agreement.”

Specialist knowledge is a key differentiator. Wilkes explains that “A BFA-affiliated solicitor will also have a good knowledge of other franchise-connected issues. This includes property issues, particularly in relation to retail franchise concepts. A non-franchise specialist lawyer may not be aware of these.”

There are networking benefits, too. “A lawyer affiliated with the British Franchise Association will often have formed various contacts with other professionals within the franchise industry, including banks, accountants and consultants. This means they may be able to provide additional assistance.”

Louise Harris emphasises the importance of expert support: “We chose a BFA affiliate consultant to franchise our business. Along with our franchise lawyer – also a BFA affiliate – their work formed the foundation of our business and gave us a significant head start.”

Final thoughts

Understanding the British Franchise Association is a crucial starting point for anyone looking to invest in, join or grow a franchise network.

The BFA underpins good practice, encourages ethical growth and provides reassurance in a sector built on replication, trust and shared standards.

Whether you’re choosing a solicitor, comparing franchises or preparing to expand your own concept, the BFA provides a framework that helps franchisors and franchisees make safer, more informed decisions.