Delegates from all over the UK assembled in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham for the Annual General Meeting of The British Franchise Association. Director General, Brian Smart welcomed delegates to the AGM and started proceedings by outlining the significant progress made by the bfa throughout the past year.   

This was followed with a presentation from the Chairman of the Board, Michael Eyre, who went through the challenges the bfa faces in the future. Key issues highlighted by Michael included, the introduction and facilitation of franchisee membership. Also discussed was this year’s bfa Parliament event which led the bfa’s continued aim to build further relationships with MPs, creating more awareness of the franchise industry and its workings. Another key subject raised was Member communications, to better promote the work of the bfa, allowing members to see the full extent of what is being done on their behalf.  

QFP (Qualified Franchise Professional) certificates recognised this year’s qualified professionals. Since the annual conference seven additional people gained QFP qualification, this included Steve Felmingham from The Franchise Development Centre, Colin Chadwick from RBS/NatWest, Tim Bowyer from RBS/NatWest, Simon Mills from the The Franchise Development Centre, Pip Wilkins from the bfa, Kerry Bhella from Camping and Caravanning Club Franchise Ltd and Graeme Jones from RBS/NatWest. David Corbett, chairman of the Franchise Trust, was pleased to hand the QFP certificates to Colin Chadwick, Pip Wilkins and Kerry Bhella. A huge congratulations to them and the other four individuals who were unable to attend this year. 

This year’s AGM was also a chance for Melvin Lusty to announce the new board. In addition to this The Chairman of the Board, Michael Eyre, put forward to the AGM the special resolution which increased franchisee numbers on the board from two to three. This passed with overwhelming support from the AGM. 

Sir Bernard Ingham, President of the bfa, closed the AGM with some final end of year thoughts.  Discussing the key challenges facing the bfa, he stressed the importance of deliberations, the attention to the aims, and ideals of the association and placing importance on the relationship between the bfa and Parliament as one of its key aims.