The European Franchise Federation (EFF) is an international, non-profit organisation that represents, encourages, and promotes the development of the European franchising industry. The association was founded in 1972, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The EFF was one of the co-founder’s of the World Franchise Council in the late 1980’s, and now plays an active role within that organisation.
The EFF currently represents 17 national franchise associations in Europe. The organisation also accepts associate members who are non-European Franchise Associations or Federations.
The EFF’s Registered Office is established in Brussels, Belgium at the following address: 179 Avenue Louise, B - 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Research:
The Association’s informative website displays pages dedicated to franchise exhibitions and shows, and other events of interest to the franchising sector
In August 1997, the EFF published the European Franchise Survey. The Survey and the Supplement “Progress & Prospects 1998” were commissioned by the EFF, with sponsorship from NatWest Bank in the UK, and research by the BFA (British Franchise Association). The report included statistics on the development of franchising, and provided country by country analysis on the franchise market in Europe.
Networking:
Through its membership, the Association has set up a network of franchisors, franchisees, franchise experts, legal advisors, accountants, financial institutions, and marketing companies. The EFF acts as an exchange of information between the member Associations, and represents the interests of the European Franchise industry to international organisations.
As well as promoting good franchising practice in the franchise industry, the organisation strives to promote information outside of the sector.
By partnering and working with government bodies, international bodies, the press, businesses and institutions, and the general public, the organisation is opening up the franchise industry to a wider audience.
It highlights the industry in a positive way beyond European boundaries, by its active role in the World Franchise Council.
National Franchise Associations
There are 21 national franchise associations that make up EFF’s membership. Each of these associations is the accredited represented organisation for the franchising industry within its country. The 21 associations are:
- Austrian Franchising Association
- Belgian Franchise Federation
- British Franchise Association
- Croatian Association for Franchising
- Czech Franchise Association
- Danish Franchise Association
- Finnish Franchising Association
- French Franchise Federation
- German Franchise Association
- Greek Franchise Association
- Hungarian Franchise Association
- Italian Franchise Federation
- Netherlands Franchise Association
- Polish Franchise Organisation
- Portuguese Franchise Association
- Serbian Franchise Association
- Slovenian Franchise Association
- Spanish Franchisors Association
- Swedish Franchise Association
- Swiss Franchise Association
- Turkish National Franchise Association
European Code of Ethics:
The EFF helps in the protection of the Franchise Industry by ensuring that all members of the organisation comply with the European Code of Ethics.
These members are representative national Associations or Federations both in Europe and internationally. By following the Code of Ethics, each member association practices fair franchising behavior in Europe. These national associations can then in turn apply a code of behavior to their member companies in each country.
This European Code of Ethics was first drawn up in 1972 when the EFF was first established. The Code has been updated a number of times, the most recent of which can be found on the organisations website.
It includes information regarding the definition of franchising, guiding principles for franchisees and franchisors, the recruitment and selection of franchisees, master franchise systems, and rules included in the franchise agreement.
The code has several sections that offer guidance for:
- The definition of franchising
- Defined roles of franchisor and franchisee, and the expectations and obligations of each in their roles
- Recruitment, advertising and disclosure practices
- Selection processes for individual franchisees
- Franchise agreement terms and stipulations
- Exemptions for master franchising arrangements
World Franchise Council
The European Franchise Federation was one of 26 associations to form the World Franchise Council (WFC) in 1994. The WFC is an international franchise association, and acts as a link between member franchises and associations around the world.
It keeps member countries informed on franchising developments, and forms a unity of 36 national franchise associations to represent the franchising community. The WFC meets bi-annually, with each event based in a different host country.
The Aims of the EFF:
The promotion of franchising in Europe:
- Protecting the franchise industry by promoting the European Code of Ethics;
- Influencing and encouraging the development of franchising in Europe;
- Representing the interests of the franchise industry to international organisations such as the European Commission and the European Parliament;
- The promotion and representation of the European Franchise industry and its members world-wide;
- The exchange of information and documentation between national associations or federations in Europe and in the world;
- Serving the member associations.