Following the launch of World Franchise Day in 2025, the BFA is proud to once again bring the UK franchising community together to celebrate alongside the wider global franchising sector on 10th June 2026. Established by the World Franchise Council, World Franchise Day recognises the people, businesses and communities that make franchising such an important part of economies around the world.
Franchising empowers local entrepreneurs to thrive while benefiting from the support of an established system. Working tirelessly to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in their communities, franchisees embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship, using innovation, dedication, and hard work to succeed. What sets franchising apart is its unique model, allowing entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves, with access to mentorship, training, and operational support that sets them up for success.
World Franchise Day is a global initiative established by the World Franchise Council to celebrate the impact of franchising across local communities, businesses and economies worldwide.
The celebration takes place annually on the second Wednesday of June, bringing together franchising communities from around the world to recognise entrepreneurship, collaboration and business success through franchising.
Franchising continues to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, support local communities and drive economic growth across the UK and international markets.
This expansion further reflected in the total number of franchise units, which is now sitting just shy of 50,500.*
This impressive figure reflects the financial viability of franchising as a business model, with an average turnover per franchised unit standing at approximately £400,000!*
This figure illustrates the importance of franchising as a major contributor to the UK job market, supporting diverse industries and communities. Notably, one in five franchise units employs 11 or more staff members!*
This reflects a significant shift in the industry’s global ambitions. Europe remains the top choice for UK franchises looking to grow, with USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand also preferable for their English-speaking markets.*
*All data taken from the British Franchise Journal
As franchise professionals in the UK, you can join us in getting involved with World Franchise Day by sharing your story, help raise awareness of franchising, and share the role you play in your community. We want to celebrate small and large franchises alike, showcasing how franchising can be a viable step into business ownership and entrepreneurship.
Celebrate your routes, showcase the people who make your business work, and empower your franchisees! There are many ways you can celebrate World Franchise Day and making franchising a talking point is one of the best. Here are a few suggestions on ways you can make the most of the day.
Empower your franchisees: Franchisees are the people who make franchising great! So share stories of outstanding franchisees and how they have impacted their local communities.
Tell your brand story: Highlight the achievements of your franchise network, why you decided to franchise and how you have grown since you started!
Collaborate with us! Work with the BFA to amplify your reach – so be sure to tag us on any social posts you do so we can help push your message!
Franchisees play a central role in World Franchise Day! As local business owners, your engagement brings the celebration to life in communities around the UK.
Share your story: Shout about why you decided to join a franchise, how your business contributes to your local community and your entrepreneurial journey.
Get on socials! Share team photos, customer shoutouts or day-in-the-life content on social media. Don’t forget to use the #WorldFranchiseDay tag!
Collaborate other franchisees: Connecting with other franchisees is hugely important in franchising, consider getting together, co-hosting an event, or simply sharing a social campaign.
Getting involved is simple:
From community stories and team celebrations to customer moments and local impact, this is your opportunity to showcase the power of franchising. Tag the BFA in your LinkedIn posts so we can follow the celebration across the UK franchising community.
Whether franchising is something you have never heard of before, or if you are considering it for your next business venture, keep up to date on the latest data from the British Franchise Journal.
Profitable, adaptable, and continuing to grow, franchising is creating opportunities whilst making a significant contribution to the UK’s economy
Watch stories, experiences and reflections from across the UK franchising community as we celebrate World Franchise Day.
Hear directly from the people behind the brands and see how franchising continues to make an impact across communities, businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the UK.
Franchising continues to open opportunities for people looking to start a business, grow a brand and become part of an established support network.
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
To celebrate the inaugural World Franchise Day on 11th June, the British Franchise Association (BFA) is hosting a special Power Hour.
Our Power Hours are hosted virtually by the BFA team, and this session will be led by Simon Bartholomew, Project Consultant here at the BFA and General Secretary of the World Franchise Council.
He will be joined by guest franchisor Liam Hobbs from More Than Loft Ladders, guest franchisee Kaajal Pandit from Boots Opticians and guest academic Professor Lola Dada, Head of Department & Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lancaster University Management School. This session will capture a unique insight into all aspects of franchising and business.
Starting at noon: Just like our monthly Power Hour’s, this session will start at 12noon and last 1 hour.
Unique insights: Each speaker will lead the conversation for 10 minutes, with talking points around their specific area of franchising and business.
Get involved: This session is open to all BFA Members and other franchise/ business professionals. Be sure not to miss out!