Founded in 1977, the British Franchise Association (bfa) is the voluntary, self-accrediting body for the UK franchise sector. It is committed to promoting ethical franchising practice in the UK. The bfa seminars are an extension of the Association’s work to develop, protect and promote industry standards.

They will be hosting a series of free talks at The National Franchise Exhibition on Friday 1 & Saturday 2 October. In these exclusive sessions, a panel of industry experts shine a light on how the franchise model works, what to look for in a business, and the support available to the franchisees of tomorrow. Visitors will also have access to exclusive follow up webinars taking place at lunch time on 4, 5 & 6 October! 

Interested in franchising your business? View your dedicated presentation timetable here >> 

Friday 1 October

10:30 - 11:00 | An introduction to franchising   

Industry experts will share key considerations and recommended due diligence that should take place aheads of investing in a franchise. 

• How buying a franchise can change your life on a personal and business level 
• What you should look for in a franchise 
• Why and when you should get legal advice 
• How to obtain funding and access financial help 

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa
Anita Roberts, HSBC 
Fiona Boswell, Knights Plc 

13:30 - 14:00 | How to franchise your business   

Hear from franchisors that have already franchised and successfully grown their businesses as they share the challenges and opportunities this journey presents. 

• Where to start and what the main factors are to consider 
• The type of franchise that will fit your business 
• What it will cost to franchise your business 
• How to decide on the price for your franchise

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa
Ryan Armitage, Tezlom 
Kate Dilworth, Right at Home

15:00 - 15:30 | How to evaluate franchise opportunities

Industry experts will share key considerations and recommended due diligence that should take place ahead of investing in a franchise.

• How to approach a franchisor and the questions you need to ask
• What you should look for in a franchisor
• Evaluating your suitability as a franchisee
• The importance of business planning and how to obtain funding

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa 
Catrina Newman, Goldstein Legal
Ben Brookes, Agency Express

Saturday 2 October

10:30 - 11:00 | An essential guide to the franchise recruitment process  

Get an insight into what franchisors are looking for in their future franchise partners from a panel of industry experts that sit on the other side of the table. 

• What to expect from the recruitment process
• How will you be assessed
• A two-way process – what you should be looking for
• Next steps!

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa
Imogen Clarke, Home Instead
Julian Chambers, Regus

13:30 - 14:00 | Grow your business through franchising

Franchising works best when credible advisors support your journey. In this session franchise experts share their recommendations about franchising your business! 

• Where to start and what the main factors are to consider
• The type of franchise that will fit your business
• What it will cost to franchise your business
• How to decide on the price for your franchise

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa
Phil Mowat, Ashtons Franchise Consulting
Catrina Newman, Goldstein Legal

14:15 - 14:45 | Taking your next steps in franchising

Attend this session to walk away from the exhibition with a plan of action to make your franchise dreams a reality. 

• Creating a shortlist of potential franchisors 
• Getting to know the franchisor - discovery days and face-to-face meetings
• Market analysis 
• Business planning 
• Where to go for professional legal and finance advice 

Host: Pip Wilkins, bfa
Catrina Newman, Goldstein Legal
Marc Talbot, HSBC