Viable: All members of the bfa will have provided evidence to show that their product or service is saleable, and furthermore saleable at a profit that will support a franchised network.
Franchiseable: All members of the bfa will have demonstrated that they have the means to transfer their know-how to a new operator at arm's length. Most will have done so at their own risk through at least one managed pilot franchise operation.
Ethical: The bfa has joined with its sister bodies in Europe to devise a new and expanded code of ethics which all members commit themselves to abide by. The code requires standards of conduct in advertising for franchisees and in recruiting and selecting them, and sets minimum conditions for the terms of franchise agreements. Those terms are both critical and complex.
Disclosure: All bfa members agree that they will, in advance of any lasting contractual agreement, disclose without ambiguity to prospective franchisees the information on their business which is material to the franchise agreement. Members submit their then current offer documents to the association as part of the accreditation procedure.
Associate Membership
With these checks in place on viability, franchisability, ethical and disclosed conduct, franchisors can be admitted to associate membership of the association, providing also that they commit themselves to abide by the Advertising Standards Authority's code of practice and also to the association's own complaints and disciplinary, appeals and re-accreditation rules.

Full Membership
To become full members, franchisors must meet one more objective.

A proven trading and franchising record: The length of time a franchised business has been in operation, and the changes in business and financial circumstances it must have survived before it can be said to be "established" will vary from sector to sector. The record of full members on openings, withdrawals, and failures (if any), as well as their trading and financial performance, is subject to an initial assessment and periodic checks.

New entrants and Provisional Listing
In 1991, the association introduced a provisional list for companies new to franchising, who could nevertheless demonstrate that they were taking all reasonable measures to make sure that their business is properly developed and tested for the franchise method.

Professional Affiliates
The bfa's membership also includes professional advisers who provide legal, accountancy banking and other services. The advice of those who are expert, not only in their own field, but also in franchising is vital, and hence the bfa assesses and accredits professional advisers who can demonstrate franchise knowledge and experience.

Additional Information
If you would like more information about the work of the bfa please telephone us or send us an email