The bfa   The British Franchise Association is the voluntary self regulating governing body for franchising. The UK market encompasses many franchise opportunities and we hope that this website will help you to make a more informed choice about which one of those franchises best suits you. All of our members have chosen to be vetted against a strict code of business practice - they endeavour to be good franchisors that can deliver the success that you want. Our website: Does not carry franchise advertising Only provides information about bfa member companies Does not present information in a way that favours one company over another Will not link you to non-accredited franchise websites Our Information Request facility (look for the button) makes it easy for you to get in touch with any of our members or professional advisors. Membership of the bfa, at any level, does not provide any warranty as to the likelihood of achievement of commercial success by any franchisee. As with any business venture you must thoroughly investigate every franchise proposal before committing yourself.

Click here for a full list of bfa members   Click here for a list of bfa Affiliated Professional Advisers.

News   bfa Press Coverage   The bfa, as the voice of ethical franchising in the UK, continues to work on behalf of the industry to raise the profile of franchising and the opportunities it offers. From people looking to start their own business, existing businesses looking to expand, or the financial and employment contribution to the UK economy, franchising is shining through as a business success story; even in these tough times. Please click here to view a list of the coverage generated since January 2009. Read more ... bfa 'Franchisor of the Year Awards' Winners Announced   The British Franchise Association's (bfa) 'Franchisor of the Year Awards', sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC, today announces its 'Gold Award' winner, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance. Silver place was awarded to TaxAssist Accountants with bronze going to Wiltshire Farm Foods. The awards demonstrate that even during an economic downturn there are still many business success stories to be told, with this year's theme focused on 'Today's Foundations for Tomorrow's Success'. Read more ... 2009 Natwest bfa Franchise Survey now available   The 25th annual research study among franchisors and franchisees, conducted on behalf of the British Franchise Association and sponsored by NatWest is now available from the bfa bookshop. The report concludes that overall, the Franchise industry in the UK continues to grow and is a key employer. Although recessionary pressures are being felt, the industry shows strong signs of resilience thus far. Brian Smart concluded, "It's clear from this survey that the franchise sector is proving resilient to the economic downturn by investing heavily in activities to drive business forward and ensure future success. It is a mark of the enthusiasm and commitment of franchisors and franchisees that they continue to drive new business and retain it with such vigour." Read more ... One Vision; developments in progress   One Vision outlines the proposed changes to allow the future growth and success of the bfa and its vital representation of the franchising industry as a whole. You can read the document by clicking here (PDF document). To see a summary of the responses click here (Word document). Since its release and feedback from the franchise community, work has now started on moving these developments forward. Read more ... Business London Franchise Programme   Business London Franchise, a London Development Agency (LDA) led and funded programme has been established to promote Franchising across London. The franchise programme is currently being delivered by Exemplas Ltd, working in partnership with the British Franchise Association. Read more ... Franchising: a success story in today’s economic uncertainty   Franchise businesses across the country are reporting not just survival stories, within this time of economic uncertainty, but real success stories; further underpinning the belief in the industry that franchising is one of the most successful and resilient business models in the UK. Read more ...