During the challenges of the pandemic and the last two years there have been many people who have reconsidered their options or how are looking at new ways to work for themselves as an independent business owner. If you are considering new business options and want to be able to own your own part of a successful business then franchising could be an excellent place to start your research.

Many people are not fully aware of what the franchise business model really is or the level of business experience or knowledge required. With franchising you do need to already have specific experience in a business area as the franchisor as the brand owner will have already established their proven model, on which will give you all the training and support you will need.

They will be there every step of the way to guide you on your franchising journey. This will start with your training where you will be taken through step by step through the operational side of the business, including financials and reporting, and all integrated marketing communications. As part of this you will get an operations manual which is the complete guide on everything that you need to know as a franchisee. As a franchisee you will also become a part of your local franchisee network, an inclusive and interactive business community.

With so many different brands out there in such a wide range of industries it can be difficult to know where to start. The British Franchise Association (bfa), the trusted voice and educational partner of UK franchising, is the ideal place to learn more about all of the franchise choices available and also to discover more about the importance of finding yourself a franchisor whose business model aligns to a proven and trusted ethical code.

Set up over 40 years ago, the British Franchise Association (bfa) is the original and largest not-for-profit trade association for franchising in the UK. We are proud to be the only association to work in partnership with the European Franchise Federation (EFF) and World Franchise Council (WFC), influencing standards and legislation across Europe.

As the trusted partner in franchising, our core aim is to support and influence high quality ethical business format franchising in accordance with the European Code of Ethics. The bfa proactively collaborates with government, academia, the media, other trade associations and the UK public on what constitutes franchising best practice. We seek to educate, influence and provide advice and guidance about what franchising is and the fantastic opportunities available via this business model.

The Franchise Industry has come such a long way in a short time, proving its strength and prosperity throughout the covid-19 pandemic. Today the franchise business model has been applied right across the spectrum of industries, from home-run dog walking businesses, through to multi-national retail businesses. It can be adapted for those wanting and able to work a full-time working week or for entrepreneurs wanting to make their business fit around them and working less than 25 hours a week.

Here at the bfa, we are incredibly passionate about building and nurturing a strong, diverse and supportive community, recognising that we are stronger together. We work tirelessly to forge strong relationships through regular member forums, open discussion sessions, educational events, and innovative industry discussions. We pride ourselves on working with a diverse range of franchise brands; from smaller, flexible opportunities to international blue-chip brands.

The bfa delivers an interactive annual educational programme through Franchise Training Academy (FTA). The FTA runs a range of educational events, all aimed at developing franchising awareness, and allowing you to further develop your skills set. The FTA features National Franchise Forums which are very much an interactive platform to discuss current trends in franchising and be able to discuss and share best practice in the sector. Our Collaboration Stations, with an approach based on problem sharing, solving and innovation, are also aimed at anyone from mature franchise brands through to brands whose focus is now on network expansion.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, notes, "Our Franchise Training Academy is really important to the bfa and something we take great pride in as an association. It is really pleasing to see that the FTA is going from strength to strength this year with strong engagement and excellent feedback on our events so far. So if you do want to stay up-to-date with what's happening in franchising then make sure you do check out the FTA events calendar."

For further information visit the bfa