Specialist Knowledge

bfa launches Specialist Seminar series to Members

The British Franchise Association has successfully launched its first Specialist Seminar to its membership.

The inaugural one-day workshop took place on 23rd November and was open to members to learn more about Maximising Franchise Data and using territory management to control and grow the franchise network. It was the first in a series of Specialist Seminars the bfa is organising for members of the Association.

“The Specialist Seminar programme will play an important part in the continual acquisition of specialist knowledge for franchisor members,” comments Andrew Quail, Head of Business Services at the British Franchise Association.

He continues, “There are many different strands to running a franchised business and it is vital that franchisors stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Our Specialist Seminar series will be central to delivering this to members, who have already demonstrated their commitment to ethical franchising through accreditation.”

Nine franchised brands have already benefited from the first workshop which was delivered by mapping and demographic expert, John Newsum-Smith of Overview Mapping. Guest speakers also included Tony Marsh of Signs Express and bfa Legal Adviser, John Pratt.

Testimony to the value of the seminars and success of the day is the highly positive feedback the bfa received from attendees. Delegate, Terry Nicholson of Revive! remarked:

“As well as being an enjoyable day and well organised, I found the subject matter to be very interesting and highly beneficial. I have taken a lot of interesting points away with me and was able to discuss the topics covered with other franchisors in attendance – another valuable part of the seminar.”

Further Specialist Seminars will be taking place next year and open to members of the bfa. For more information on bfa membership and upcoming Specialist Seminars, visit www.thebfa.org or contact the Business Services team on 01491 578 050.

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Notes to the Editor

1. The British Franchise Association (bfa) was set up in 1977 and is the only voluntary self-accrediting body for the UK franchise sector. Its aim is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstance for growth.
2. Franchisor members have to meet the standards set by the Association in order to establish that their franchise represents a fair and ethical opportunity. The standards are adopted from the European Franchise Federation (EFF) Code of Ethics and set out in The Ethics of Franchising. More information on the bfa can be found at www.thebfa.org.
3. The UK franchising industry has a turnover of £10.3 billion (2005 was the first time industry annual turnover broke the £10 billion barrier), and employs more than 360,000 people.
4. There are 759 active franchise systems operating in the UK and last year, 92 per cent of all franchisees reported profitability.
5. For further information please email the bfa's Marketing department.