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Find answers to the most asked questions and more!
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Franchise Agreement – The contract that details your legal relationship of obligations between franchisor and franchisee
MSF/Royalty – Management Service Fee, the fee you pay, typically monthly to operate in that network. This will also be a fixed fee in some franchise models.
Marketing Levy – Most franchisors will include in their percentage fees a percentage which goes toward consumer marketing, this may be used as part of a national fund or local find dependant on the franchise.
Start-up Cost – This is the initial franchisee fee to be paid to the franchisor to become a franchisee, different franchisors include different things within this so do check what is included.
Average Total Initial Investment – All costs which you will need to cover to start-up your franchise (except the franchise fee) related to real estate, professional services, equipment, training etc. but not including working capital.
Disclosure – This is where the franchisor should be transparent about the performance and franchise package, this is voluntary in the UK which is why we encourage asking questions.
Exclusive Franchise Territory – The specific area of operation outlined to a franchisee and sometimes gives them the sole right to operate within that exclusive franchise territory.
Franchise Resale – The sale of a franchised area by the franchisee, usually more expensive than purchasing a new area as business tend to be established.
Renewal – This is the right to renew or extend your franchising contract to continue trading for a further term.
Termination – Legal previsions by which either the franchisee or franchisor can terminate the contract due to a breach of contract.
Working Capital – The amount of liquid assets you are required to have and maintain to operate the franchise.
Term – This is the number of years a franchise is granted through the Franchise Agreement with the franchisor.
Trademark – All franchisors should have a registered trademark for their brand as this protects their right to use it.
Initial Training – This is the induction and training you should do with the franchisor before trading on your own, it will provide you all the information you need to operate the franchise correctly.
Ongoing Support – This is the process by which your franchisor will work in partnership to ensure you are operating effectively and assisting if you have challenges.
Q: What is franchising?
A: That is a great question! Please feel free to go to our What is Franchising? pages to find out more
Q: Where can I find out more about the standards in franchising set by BFA?
A: You can find out more about our franchising standards here
Q: How do I make a complaint against my franchisor?
A: If you have concerns about your franchisor and they are a member of the BFA, please read through the services we can offer to help you through it within our Dispute Resolution downloads on our Standards page here
Q: As a consumer I have a complaint about a franchise, who do I contact?
A: Please contact the franchisor company, they usually have customer service details on their websites.
Q: Where can I find your Code of Ethics?
A: The BFA’s Code of Ethics can be found here
Q: Who can help me on my franchise journey?
A: As the BFA we have to remain unbiased, but you can see all or our members in our Directory here and check out the benefits of buying a franchise from a BFA Member here
Q: How do I become a BFA member?
A: Information about our different types of membership and how to apply can be found here
Q: How do I become a franchisee member?
A: If your franchisor is a BFA member then one of their benefits is that you as a franchisee can become a member too, find out more here
Q: When is the right time for me to become a member?
A: It depends where you are in your franchising journey, but we can help you through, find out more about membership here
Q: Where can I send my franchising news stories?
A: We have a press team and PR manager who are happy to receive any news stories and support with writing and distribution please contact press@thebfa.org
Q: How can I get my stories published on the BFA website?
A: If you are a member, send any stories that you think may be of interest to BFA to the press inbox: press@thebfa.org
Q; If I’m not member can I submit a press article?
A: Unfortunately, not, one of the benefits of being a BFA member is to showcase your brand on our website.
Q: How do I exhibit at The British & International Franchise exhibition?
A: The next franchise exhibition details can be found here, if you are interested in exhibiting please contact franchise@vmgl.com or call 020 8394 5207
Q: How do I exhibit at a BFA event?
A: Some of our flagship events have the opportunity to our members to exhibit, check out each event within the Academy here, or drop us a line at events@thebfa.org
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: All details can be found within our terms of use, please click here
Q: Do I need a ticket?
A: If you wish to attend one of our events then yes you do need a ticket in advance, all events can be found in the BFA Academy here
Q: How do I become a speaker?
A: Please contact a member of the team at events@thebfa.org
Q: Are your events face to face or virtual?
A: Our events cover both, depending on what it is, please have a look at our events within the BFA Academy to find one to suit you whether it be face to face or virtual.
Q: Are your events for members only?
A: No not all of them, we have some events for those who are new to franchising and want to find out more, go to our BFA Academy to explore the options.
Q: When is the closing date for the awards submissions?
A: All entries must be submitted before 5pm on Friday 7th July 2023.
Q: Can I enter more than one awards category?
A: Yes you can, but you can only enter categories which you are eligible for and meet the criteria.
Q: If I enter more than one category do I need to supply more than one statement, video or other evidence to support my entry?
A: No, but you can if you would like to.
Q: When are the Awards Winners announced?
A: Our awards celebration takes place on the Thursday 9th November 2023 at The Vox Conference Centre – details can be found here.
Q: Where can I buy my tickets for the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards Night?
A: Tickets are available here.
Q: What happens if I enter and then cannot attend the filming?
A: Speak to a member of the BFA team who will be able to support you with an alternative solution.
Q: What happens if I enter and then cannot attend the judging dates?
A: Speak to a member of the BFA team who will be able to support you with an alternative solution.
Q: Can I enter the awards if I’m not going to be available to attend the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards evening?
A: Yes, Whilst we would like everybody who enters the awards to attend the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards we appreciate that not everyone will be able to.
Q: Can I enter if I am not a BFA member?
A: The only award open to non-members if the HSBC Best in Class award. You must meet the criteria of that award to enter.
Q: How quickly will I get a response from submitting my entry?
A: The BFA team will check all entries and allow time for any missing items to be added to the entry before the initial judging phase takes place.
Q: What is QFP?
A: QFP stands for Qualified Franchise Professional, go to our QFP page here to find out more and register your interest.
Q: How many QFP points does my event have?
A: Each of our event earns you a different number of QFP points to go towards your total 3000 points, all events detail how many QFP points they are worth.
Q: Who awards this certification?
A: This certification is awarded by the British Franchise Association Academy to individuals who meet certain qualifications and pass their Professional Dialogue Interview.
Q: Do I need to be a BFA Member to do the QFP?
A: No, anyone can complete individual modules of the QFP and complete their Professional Dialogue Interview. However, members benefit of discounted rates.
Q: How many places are available on a Cohort?
A: A QFP Cohort has a maximum of 12 places available.
Q: How many points does my experience earn?
A: Experience in franchising, which has been included in your registration form, may entitle you to points towards your QFP. These points will be a maximum of 100 points per year, for up to five years’ experience.
Q: Do I need to have experience?
A: No, you don’t need experience in franchising to enrol in the QFP Qualification. However, the Qualified Professional Training is suitable for those working in franchising industry or planning to franchise their own business.
Q: What happens if I can’t attend the BFA Annual Conference?
A: It is important to ensure you allow yourself enough time to complete your QFP. If you anticipate that you might not be able to attend the BFA Annual Conference we suggest doing the QFP on an AD-HOC basis and allow yourself 3 years to complete and attend the conference, however, if you are enrolled in a Cohort and you can’t attend the conference, please speak to one of our BFA Academy team.
Q: Do I need to attend all modules?
A: Yes, you will need to attend all 4 QFP Core modules to complete your qualification. However, if you are professional in one of 4 modules you can submit a module exemption request.
Q: What is the Professional Dialogue?
A: The Professional Dialogue is a structured interview discussion between you and the Expert Panel and can take up to an hour. The basis for the dialogue is two written statements we will ask you to provide ahead of the meeting.
Q: How do I find out how many points I have?
A: To find out how many points you have, you can contact the BFA Academy team and request a statement of your points. It is advised that you keep a record of all your events and modules attendance in a logbook to keep track of all your learnings. By recording your attendance in a logbook, you can ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date information about your points and the training that you have completed.
Q: Can I get a refund?
A: You can request a refund for your QFP training program; however, the refund policy is subject to terms and conditions. Please read the terms of use here.
Q: How to register? Where to find the form?
A: To register, you can complete the registration form on our website. Once you have filled out the form, you will receive an email confirmation. Also, a team member will then be in contact with you to provide further information and to assist with any questions you may have.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a 1-2-1 call, you can do so through our website. We offer 15-minute 1-2-1 calls to provide you with an opportunity to speak with a team member directly and receive personalised support.
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