The bfa year once again ended with the signature Chairman’s Dinner. This year’s glitzy black-tie dinner held at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham was attended by over one hundred guests, bringing together many individuals from around the franchise sector. 

The occasion also gave a chance for the bfa Chairman, Michael Eyre, to announce the four recipients of the prestigious bfa Companionships. The bfa’s Companionship award recognises individuals that have made a significant contribution to the franchise industry and the bfa. The four individuals with extensive experience, expertise and history in franchising were:

Melvin Lusty - Chemex
Melvin has enjoyed a long successful career in franchising which has seen him on the bfa Board, including a period as Chairman of the Board, as well as Chairman of the Quality Standards Committee. His history in franchising has included the purchase of Rainbow International, which Melvin transformed to a well recognised and successful organisation. Since then Melvin has invested in and worked with a number of franchise companies including Chemex, where he is Managing Director.  

David Corbett - Signs Express 
David has spent over sixteen years in franchising, as Chairman of Sings Express. David has also been on the bfa Board for some years and spent time as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. His experience has included a period as Secretary and Chairman of the European Franchise Federation Board, and the bfa’s Board member for international affairs. 

Penny Hopkinson - Manual Writers
Penny has been with the bfa since the mid eighties, making her one of the first Affiliates of the bfa. She has helped pioneer ethical franchising and has been a key contributor of the bfa’s code of ethics and more recently the members rule book.   

Gordon Patterson - FDS
Gordon has been actively involved in franchising for around forty years, spending the last twenty six years at FDS. Gordon is highly regarded as a consultant within the industry, and has been championing the bfa’s cause for many years, as well as being a member of the QFP expert panel.  

Congratulations to them all and a big thank you for all their contributions and hard work.