One Vision, which was a visionary document released in August 2008, outlined the possible future developments of the bfa, putting forward new structures of governance, funding, accreditation and centrally, the inclusion of franchisees into membership.

After being open for feedback in 2008, the year ended with an overwhelming support and urge from members to make progress.

The action plan for One Vision required the establishment by the end of February of three Commissions, each with a specific remit and timetable for the considerable task of turning One Vision into reality.

Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa, said: "The Commissions are made up of enthusiastic, knowledgeable and representative individuals, who are very aware of both the huge opportunities that lay ahead and the possible difficulties. This is not an overnight process, but the fact that these Commissions are up and running and have started the development wheels turning is surety that the show is on the road.

"It will involve a lot of commitment from all involved and so we are grateful for the efforts afforded to the bfa from our Commission Members."

The Commissions:

Professional Standards Commission:

The Professional Standards Commission has three central aims, which it remains focused on: To agree a code of professional standards and conduct in franchising for each professional group; to agree a means of accrediting franchise professionals against the agreed standards; to agree access routes to the standards and the resources needed to deliver those access routes; and To define the dividing line between professional affiliates and suppliers. This commission, Chaired by Brian Duckett of Howarth Franchising, also includes Clive Houlston of Mr. Electric; Andy Pollock of Rees Pollock; Roy Seaman of FDS; Geoffrey Sturgess of Blake Lapthorn; Mark Witter of Venture Photography; Peter Willams; Ken Bevis, a franchisee of Signs Express; and Mike Traynier, a franchisee of Select Appointments.

Brian Duckett said: "The Commission is already putting forward ideas about how professional standards will be structured through One Vision. The formation of working parties has also enabled us to start generating real direction and recommendations in key industry areas of the bfa's membership. This will allow us to take all supplier membership areas into consideration and yet retain steady progress".

Franchisee Engagement Commission:

The Franchisee Engagement Commission will concentrate on the specific considerations of how franchisees will be involved with the bfa. It will look to develop a package of deliverable benefits for franchisees; to design a pricing and delivery structure for those benefits; and propose a promotional programme to realise this franchisee engagement. Chaired by Sir Bernard Ingham, the Commission includes Caroline Joyce of Kall Kwik; Ian Bradley or Riverford Organics; Richard Holden of Lloyds TSB; and Derek Simpson of Franchise Resales.

Naturally, the Commission involves a strong representation from franchisees, which are from the past and present bfa Franchisee Forum, including Terry Lucking of Belvoir Lettings; Greg Weal of Cash Generator; John Heslop of Chemex International; Ken Bevis of Signs Express; Russell Brown of Xpress Legal Services; Rob Gwilliam of Molly Maid UK; Ruth Freeman of Mr Electric; Annie Jermain of Riverford Organics; Mike Traynier of Select Appointments; Nick Baxter-Sibley of Signs Express; Fergus Belcher of Urban Planters; Justin Brookes of Mail Boxes etc; and Paul Wood of Blazes Fireplaces.

Sir Bernard Ingham said: "It is vitally important that we are able to provide a valued and deliverable benefit to franchisees for them to be involved. This Commission is allowing us to finally make this happen. The work being carried out by those involved, along with the work being done in the other two Commissions is not being prescribed by the bfa, but instead is being generated by representatives from across the industry. This will lead to outcomes that have been agreed by the people who they will be applied to; ensuring they are both attractive and feasible.

Commission on Governance and Funding:

The Commission for Governance and Funding chaired by Melvin Lusty of Chemex International will put forward the proposed structures for membership of, and representative governance and funding for, the bfa to remain as the authoritative voice of business format franchising in the UK. This work includes both the requirements and consideration of the various options available, and also the transitional arrangements needed to reach these new structures. The Commission is also made up of Rory Waterer of Urban Planters; John Pratt of Hamilton Pratt; Cathryn Hayes of HSBC; Michael Eyre of Blazes Fireplace & Heating Centres; and Terry Lucking of Belvoir Lettings Melvin Lusty said: "The structure of both governance and funding of the bfa raises many considerations and hurdles. The Commission meetings have been able to identify a number of possible options and look at the problems and opportunities they bring. This allows the Commission to actively guide the bfa and make sure it has a clear understanding of both its immediate requirements and long term plan. The drive and determination of the people involved continues to push forward the progress of One Vision; however, with such complexities involved, the Commission looks only to put forward recommendations that are both robust and achievable".