I’m writing this blog shortly after returning from our first, Annual, AFA Conference, which took place on Thursday 28th March at the Jury’s Inn in Oxford. I have to admit I’m still buzzing from it, as it really was fantastic, and the feedback we’ve already received from attendees suggests they agree!
Continue reading “AFA Delivers Successful First Annual Conference”
The BFA and NatWest recently released their 2018 Franchising Landscape Report and I was extremely encouraged by their findings, which I would like to share with you in this week’s blog post.
Continue reading “BFA / NatWest Franchising Landscape Report 2018”
Here at the AFA, we are always keen to highlight and celebrate achievements within the franchising sector and, today, our blog focuses on Elite Franchise’s recent announcement of their top 100 franchises for 2019.
Continue reading “Announcing the Elite Franchise 2019 Top 100”
You may have read the recent statement by Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, which mentions a copycat franchise association that has just been established in the UK.
Continue reading “Statement from Claire Robinson, CEO of the Approved Franchise Association”
You may remember that, on a recent blog, I announced that we had partnered with The Business Show at ExCel in London, which took place last week. We also had our own stand at the show and I have to say it was a fantastic experience and well worth exhibiting.
Continue reading “Sharing the Franchising Love at ‘The Business Show’ in London”
As many of you will know, I have been working within the franchising industry for a number of years now. As well as establishing and managing my own franchise network, Extra Help®, since 2010, as the CEO of the AFA I have gained considerable experience in assisting business owners with franchising their businesses and helping franchisees to select the best franchise for them.
Direct mail distribution and print specialists Dor-2-Dor are celebrating the growth of their 60 strong network of franchises with the addition of a further four franchisees strategically located throughout the UK.
This week, I am very excited to announce that the AFA is partnering with The Business Show, Europe’s largest business exhibition, which is taking place on the 14th and 15th November 2018 at ExCel in London. The AFA will be exhibiting on stand 1850.
Continue reading “Partnership with the Business Show London Excel”
Would you like to run a business teaching babies and toddlers to swim, backed by an established brand and all the training you need?
This week, our member spotlight blog focuses on AFA member Turtle Tots, a proven, award-winning, baby and preschool swim school, with over fifty licensees across the UK, Ireland and Australia.
I recently attended a seminar on collaboration, which focused on how and why businesses collaborating with each other is a more effective success strategy than competing. This is something I’ve always bought into subconsciously.
Our AFA members offer a fantastic and diverse range of business opportunities and, this week, our blog focuses on a franchise where every day is filled with laughter, music and song! It’s a rewarding business that enables you to provide a valuable service to your community, focusing specifically on mums with babies and toddlers, with an immense feel-good factor.
Continue reading “Sing with your bump, baby or toddler in tow!”
If you happened to be paying Bath Cats and Dogs Home a visit on Thursday 26th April you may have noticed a number of people wearing red! This is due to the first annual AGM for the ever growing team of Dog First Aid Franchise Partners being held at the centre on that day and what a great day it was too!
Continue reading “Dog First Aid Franchise Ltd holds first AGM in Bath!”
It’s been a busy few weeks here at the AFA, as we’ve been working hard on our brand new website. I’m delighted to say that it is now live and we’re excited to introduce you to our new look …
Continue reading “The New AFA Website Is Live! Go take a look …”
Research has recently revealed that nearly 100% of UK-based franchisees have recorded profitability in 2016. This is great news for both franchisees and franchisors, but what does it mean for the industry as a whole?
Long-term, sustained profitability for franchisees usually leads to franchisors expanding their offering both trademark goods or services provided, but also across geographic or demographic borders.
Continue reading “The Rise And Rise Of Franchising In The UK”
The lovely Claire and Naomi from the AFA supported a Devon based homeless charity, Shekinah Mission , by helping to prepare, cook and serve Christmas lunch for 100 homeless people in Plymouth.
Claire said “I felt really humbled this morning. I got out of my bed, got in the shower and made myself a cup of tea and some breakfast. It really hit me what I was going to do today and some people who use Shekinah don’t have anything. I had a chat with some of the people at the centre and they really appreciate what has been done for them today”.
The event was also supported by other local businesses and run in association with local networking group the Six O’Clock Club
The AFA provides the Franchise Industry within the United Kingdom with a voluntary, self-regulatory body; serving its members, potential new franchisees and the industry as a whole.
Our Values & Principles ensure our organisation remains focused and driven to our collective objectives, surrounding the growth, development and awareness of the Franchise Industry within the United Kingdom.
Whether you are seeking a franchise opportunity or are an existing franchisor, the AFA provides you with guidance, support and straightforward advice.
We are committed to supporting the collective franchising community and ultimately contributing to the development of the UK franchising industry.
