We want to lead the charge and influence change in UK franchising. It’s our goal to showcase the fantastic opportunities for businesses and individuals within franchising, and how these possibilities can positively transform people’s lives, no matter what their background or starting point may be.
Whether you want to set up your own new business through franchising, or you want to grow an existing brand by franchising to others, the BFA is your trusted partner. With our support you’ll get your ambitions off to the strongest possible start – and enjoy ongoing guidance and advice wherever tomorrow takes you.
Since 1977, The British Franchise Association – The BFA – has become by far the largest and most influential trade association for franchising in the UK. What’s more, we’re also proud to be the only UK association working in partnership with the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council. In this way we can influence standards and franchise law across Europe for the benefit of our members.
We’re so proud of our industry’s strength, community spirit and the way it transforms people’s lives for the better. Many people use franchised businesses on a weekly or even daily basis, and don’t even know it! That’s why it’s our mission to promote franchising both nationally and regionally. We’ve created a platform to promote our members’ success, share their expertise and highlight their stories.
Like any other business model, franchising can be at risk of unethical practices. Our team, working with our legal professional advisors, are here to stamp that out. We’re committed to driving forward a franchise sector with ethical business models and sustainable business opportunities for all.
Our Academy education resources are here to help you make properly informed decisions throughout your franchising journey. You’ll find specialist events, seminars, informal networking, bespoke workshops and e-learning courses to get your questions answered. Working with our industry experts we’ve also developed the Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) training for members who want to take their expertise to the next level.
For nearly 50 years, the BFA has been integral in promoting and upholding the ethical standards for franchising in the UK! This World Franchise Day, we take a look back at where we started, and where we are now!
The BFA was established. Founding members include: Budget Car and Truck Rental, Dyno-Rod, Holiday Inn, KFC, ServiceMaster, Wimpy, Prontaprint and Ziebart.
The first Franchise Exhibition was held in Kensington, London
We welcome Professional Affiliates into membership (now known as BFA Advisors)
The first BFA British Franchise Awards took place
The BFA committed to following and upholding the European Code of Ethics for Franchising
The World Franchise Council was established
The first National Franchise Forum was held
We introduced the ‘Franchisor of the Year’ and ‘Franchisee of the Year’ awards at our annual awards
The BFA and European Franchise Federation held the Millenium Conference
BFA rebranded
The first BFA Specialist Seminar took place
The QFP Programme was first launched
We welcome Franchisee’s into membership (of BFA Franchisor brands)
BFA hosts the first ‘women in franchising’ event (now known as EWIB)
Pip Wilkins was appointed first female CEO of the BFA
The BFA hosts the World Franchise Council
The UK Developer membership category was launched (now known as BFA International Members)
The Franchise Training Academy launched (now known as the BFA Academy)
BFA partner with WorkBuzz on Franchisee Satisfaction Surveys
Approved Franchise Association was acquired by the BFA
The first Leadership in Action event was held
Pip had her first appearance as franchising expert on The Apprentice (BBC)
The BFA rebranded to what it is today!
We launch our new website and members area
The BFA Magazine was launched
Pip appears again as franchising expert on the Apprentice UK
We hosted the first BFA Franchisee Forum Online
The BFA was established. Founding members include: Budget Car and Truck Rental, Dyno-Rod, Holiday Inn, KFC, ServiceMaster, Wimpy, Prontaprint and Ziebart.
The first Franchise Exhibition was held in Kensington, London
We welcome Professional Affiliates into membership (now known as BFA Advisors)
The first BFA British Franchise Awards took place
The BFA committed to following and upholding the European Code of Ethics for Franchising
The World Franchise Council was established
The first National Franchise Forum was held
We introduced the ‘Franchisor of the Year’ and ‘Franchisee of the Year’ awards at our annual awards
The BFA and European Franchise Federation held the Millenium Conference
BFA rebranded
The first BFA Specialist Seminar took place
The QFP Programme was first launched
We welcome Franchisee’s into membership (of BFA Franchisor brands)
BFA hosts the first ‘women in franchising’ event (now known as EWIB)
Pip Wilkins was appointed first female CEO of the BFA
The BFA hosts the World Franchise Council
The UK Developer membership category was launched (now known as BFA International Members)
The Franchise Training Academy launched (now known as the BFA Academy)
BFA partner with WorkBuzz on Franchisee Satisfaction Surveys
The first Leadership in Action event was held
The first Leadership in Action event was held
Pip had her first appearance as franchising expert on The Apprentice (BBC)
The BFA rebranded to what it is today!
We launch our new website and members area
The BFA Magazine was launched
Pip appears again as franchising expert on the Apprentice UK
We hosted the first BFA Franchisee Forum Online
