About the bfa

The bfa provides objective advice and information to prospective franchisees and franchisors. It is the trade association for franchising and the authoritative voice of the sector.

The bfa sets standards on what constitutes best practice in franchising. Criteria for franchisor membership today include an examination of the business model; a review of the franchise agreement; assessing the training and support offered; and evidence that franchisees can sustain profitable businesses.

What does bfa membership mean?

One of our roles is to help potential franchisees identify the right opportunities – and avoid the wrong ones. A significant aspect of this work is to highlight ethical franchisors that have passed a strict accreditation process to become members of the bfa. Not all can: companies are turned down each year for membership because they can’t meet the criteria we set for ethical franchising.

Whilst checks by the bfa are not a guarantee of success, nor a substitute for a prospective franchisee’s own research on both the franchised network and the individual business proposition, buying a franchise from a bfa member gives peace of mind and numerous added benefits for prospective franchisees, including:

• Proven to offer a viable franchise opportunity
  
  
• Commitment on the part of the franchisor to keep up with best practice
  
  
• Added value to your franchise when you come to sell
  
  
• Access to low-cost complaints and arbitration schemes should a dispute arise
  
  
• The ability to join the bfa as a Franchisee Member, which brings numerous business and personal benefits and savings
  
  
• Exclusive access to the prestigious bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year awards

In addition, the banks all work closely with the bfa. They understand how thoroughly we assess franchisors for membership, and because of that they value bfa membership too when it comes to funding decisions. A proven, ethical brand is held in high respect by the banks, and can be a significant factor in a loan application.

The right advice is absolutely crucial in turning your franchising dreams into reality, and it’s for that reason that the bfa also accredits professional advisors to the industry, including consultants, solicitors, accountants and bankers. Make sure you talk to the right people from the off; you can save a lot of time, headaches and money if you do!

To learn more about the bfa, the work it carries out, the advice and resources it offers, and the companies it represents, visit the website www.thebfa.org.