Four franchise companies were admitted to membership of the British Franchise Association (bfa) in January, with Baby Sensory and Ripples joining as Associate Members and Rooferman and buy-LOCAL.net entering with Provisional Membership.

'Our aim in 2009 is to establish 10 foundation Rooferman franchises at a reduced cost of £19,655 + VAT,' says Rooferman Managing Director Chris Hopkins. 'In addition the new franchise owner may qualify for a training credit of £7,000, subject to terms and conditions.'

Rick Sanderson, Managing Director of buy-LOCAL.net, reflects: 'We have been working hard over the last three years to establish our unique local food business with a view to franchising across the UK. Joining the bfa was one of the targets we had in mind in order to get some credibility for what we have put in place, and we are delighted to have been approved for Provisional status for 2009.

'This should be an exciting year for buy-LOCAL with several franchise owners already in place now and a big recruitment push now for the year ahead. We offer a great opportunity for anyone wishing to turn their passion for local food, environmental issues and running their own business into a profit making enterprise.'

Baby Sensory Director Ian Sharland reports: 'We are delighted that Baby Sensory has been granted associate membership of the bfa. This is an important milestone for us as we place great emphasis on providing excellent support to our franchisees and it is great to have this recognised by the bfa. We are hoping that our new found status will reassure more future franchisees and enable us to continue with our exciting growth.'

Ripples Managing Director Paul Crow said: 'I am pleased that the bfa fully endorse our business practices and our franchise operation, which has now been running successfully since 1996 and we continue to expand nationwide.'Additionly, four legal firms joined the association as Affiliates: Lindsays Solicitors, Tenon Ltd, Geldards LLP and Harper Macleod LLP. 'We feel it's critical to be affiliated to the bfa because of its values in promoting ethical franchising,' said Harper Macleod LLP Partner David Kaye. 'As legal advisor to the Franchise Group for Scotland I've personally been an Affiliate Member of the association for over 10 years. Now, as part of Harper Macleod I'm very keen for the firm to be more involved in the franchise sector to provide our tremendous set of support services to franchise companies.'

Published: 19 March 2009

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