Non-BFA Franchisors invited to BFA event
Non-bfa member Franchisors invited to Heritage Motor Centre to find out more about the bfa
Hosted at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire, The British Franchise Association (bfa) is inviting non-members to attend an Open Day Luncheon. Thursday, 23rd June will be a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the bfa and all the benefits of becoming a member.
Becoming a bfa member allows you to display the prestigious bfa members badge which gives confidence to potential franchisee prospects, as well as access to bfa approved franchise service providers, exclusive bfa members forums and more.
The open day will run from 11am – 2pm and includes lunch. You will also have the opportunity to browse the Heritage Motor Centre’s impressive car collection at the end of the open day.
If you are a franchisor who is a non-bfa member and wish to attend, please contact the bfa for an invitation at:-
British Franchise Association, Centurion Court, 85f Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RY
Tel: 01235 820470 Email: mailroom@thebfa.org
Finalists revealed for prestigious Franchisor Awards
Cathryn Hayes - HSBC Head of Franchising
A shortlist of 13 franchisors has been announced in the 2011 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards, supported by Express Newspapers. The finalists were selected from entries spanning multiple sectors, business size and locations across the UK to reveal this year’s potential Award winners.
The Awards represent an opportunity for the UK’s best franchisors to gain recognition for their achievements in 2010; a year when many businesses had to work harder than ever to compete successfully in a tough economic climate. Finalists will now meet the judges face-to-face to bring to life the people, the passion and the stories behind their businesses which will inspire the next generation of franchisors and franchisees.
Franchisors shortlisted are as follows:
| bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award, supported by Express Newspapers |
HSBC Franchisee |
Express Newspapers |
| Belvoir Lettings | Dream Doors | Belvoir Lettings |
| Cash Generator | Little Kickers | Expense Reduction Analysts (UK) |
| Driver Hire | Granite Transformations | McDonald’s |
| etyres | Auditel | |
| Home Instead Senior Care | Autosmart | |
| McDonald’s | O2 |
The winners in each of the three categories will be announced at the 22nd British Franchisor Awards gala dinner on 16 June 2011 at the Heritage Motor Centre, Warwickshire.
Tags: British Franchise Association, cathryn hayes, Franchise awards, franchise success, franchisor of the year, hsbc
The Role of a Franchise Association
Nick Strong, MD - Select Your Franchise
For those countries where franchising has really taken hold as a route to business expansion, chances are you will find a National Franchise Association.
In the UK for example, this would be the British Franchise Association. Similarly, in the US there is the International Franchise Association.
These Associations have several purposes including promoting ethical franchising and lobbying government bodies to protect the business format franchising model from over zealous competition law legislation changes.
In some countries there is legislation that governs franchise business. In the UK there is no such legislation so the British Franchise Association has a regulatory function in terms of overseeing how members operate and providing arbitration where necessary.
Associations are typically made up of board members which are elected by members as being well regarded and respected representatives of the franchise community.
The role of a Franchise Association to a Franchisor
Franchise Associations generally provide an opt-in scheme by which a franchisor can be approved as an association member by complying to a list of guidelines. Becoming Association approved offers several advantages to the franchisor including:-
- They will be able to use the Franchise Associations branding or seal of approval which may give their franchise offering more visible credibility.
- It forces them to audit their processes so as to ensure they are operating in a correct way.
- They may get listed on the Franchise Associations website as an approved member.
- They may be able to attend exclusive members meetings and network with industry professionals which may help advance their business.
The role of a franchise association to a franchise seeker (prospective franchisee/owner).
A franchise association can play a role of reassurance for a prospective franchise owner. This is because accredited members may have been through an approval process before they attain membership. This is the case in the UK. Exactly what this means will depend on the Franchise Associations’ criteria for membership and this is usually available via the Associations website. It will typically include a code of ethics which the franchisor has agreed to abide by when working with his franchisees. As a franchise buyer the franchise association can offer you such things as:-
- Some additional reassurance if choosing a franchise system that is an Association member.
- Resources, help and information by way of Association approved franchise specialist accountants, consultants, etc.
- Depending on the Association it may offer arbitration in the event of problems with a Franchise Association member.
It’s no surprise that many franchisors do become members of their Association because of the benefits and credibility it brings. However, it should be noted that there are also many great franchise systems in the market that decide not be be Association members for one reason or another. Association membership is an ‘opt in’ and if a franchisor decides not be an Association member this doesn’t automatically make them a bad choice.
Whether you choose a member of a Franchise Association or not, its important to research thoroughly the franchise system that you are considering investing in. The outcome of your new business venture will be determined by a system you have researched properly as a good investment, combined with your commitment, hard work and dedication to following the franchisor’s proven system. Doing this will give you the highest potential for trading succeed. For more help and advice see our post on 10 Steps to choosing a Franchise Business
Tags: British Franchise Association, franchise, franchise association, franchise associations, franchise business, international franchise association, nick strong
