Steering the industry through what has been a period of rapid growth and development is the British Franchise Association (bfa). Established in 1977 it is the only voluntary self-accrediting body for the UK franchise sector. 
The aim of the bfa is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstances for growth, which it does this with a self-regulatory, standards-based approach to membership of the association.
In addition, the bfa works very hard to increase the awareness of ethical franchising by communicating with government, the media and the general public on what constitutes franchising best practice.
Marketing manager Tom Endean said: “With such a massive array of industry types, format, markets and investment levels, potential franchisees can be overwhelmed as to which brand to apply for. There are many processes needed, such as matching the franchise with your own personal, business and financial strengths and weaknesses.”
However, one of the key factors is whether you are buying into an ethical, proven and truly transferable business, and here it is important to know which franchise businesses have met the membership standards of the bfa, details of which can be found on the bfa website.
There are three categories of franchisor membership; Full, Associate and Provisional listing, as well as affiliate membership for professional advisors, such as accountants, lawyers and banks. The franchisor members must meet the standards set by the bfa to demonstrate that their franchise represents a fair, ethical and disclosed opportunity. 
Every year the bfa holds their national Franchisor of the Year Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank, which recognise those businesses that have proven themselves in specific areas of excellence.
Mr Endean added: “This year’s awards will be looking at businesses that have set strong foundations for tomorrow’s success. Those that enter and are recognised in these awards will have shown that they are managing their businesses and the network as a whole for the future success of all involved. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.”
For more information on the bfa and on franchising in general visit www.thebfa.org