In June 2021, it was announced that both the British Franchise Association (bfa) and the Approved Franchise Association (AFA) will come together as one association, under the bfa moniker, in order for further the growth of the UK franchise sector.
Speaking about the acquisition, Pip Wilkins CEO of the bfa recently said, “Over the past 18 months the bfa has gone from strength to strength with increased services and more inclusivity to become everyone’s Trusted Partner in Franchising. When Claire and I spoke about the acquisition, it became really clear we had been on very similar journeys, but on separate paths. The bfa’s core values are centred around passion and integrity and we both have a great passion to educate and support businesses in franchising. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I have no doubt that now is the right time for us to work together for the greater good of franchising. I am looking forward to working closely with the existing AFA Members and understanding their stories”.
Chief Executive Officer of the AFA Claire Robinson also spoke about the acquisition and the plans to strengthen franchised businesses; “Six years ago there was a real need for support amongst the smaller, lifestyle franchise companies which is the gap the AFA filled in the marketplace. I am proud to have grown it to where it is today, but I am now keen to focus on the growth of my own franchise business. I have witnessed the transition of the bfa to become a much more inclusive association, with a desire to support every type of franchise business. I am excited about the future and how Pip and I can work together over the next 12 months to support the AFA Members with a transition to bfa Membership. I really feel that I have made the best decision for the industry in choosing the bfa to become my trusted partner too”.
About the bfa
The British Franchise Association has maintained franchise standards in the UK since 1977 and today provides opportunities to businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to invest in franchising. The association offers franchises and business owners a rich platform to connect and grow their operations, as well as providing a ‘globally leading’ education portfolio to further the growth of franchising in the UK and beyond.