The annual awards, now in its 35th year, are considered to be the pinnacle of recognition and achievement in the UK franchise sector, celebrating the achievements of the British Franchise Association (BFA) member franchisors and franchisees. The 2023 award winners. The judges for this year’s awards are: Pip Wilkins (Chair of Judges), chief executive of the BFA Gillian Morris, UK head of franchise, commercial banking, HSBC UK Natalia Shvarts, partner at Excello Law Adam Lovelock, director of Coconut Marketing Alan Wilkinson, head of franchise development at The Franchising Centre Roz Goldste ..read more

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive Officer of the BFA (British Franchise Association), has announced a restructure of the management team at the BFA to coincide with the departure of Emily Price, Chief Operations Officer. BFA management team. Founded in 1977 and with a strapline of ‘Discover Your Tomorrow’, the BFA is the hub of franchising in the UK. The association strives to brighten people’s futures, by showcasing the opportunities for businesses and individuals to transform their lives through franchising, whilst also providing an educational space and accreditations, governed by high standar ..read more

Vodafone Business has launched a new channel called Vodafone Business IT Hubs, offering new local franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs and IT experts alike. The company says it is looking for more than 300 franchisees across the UK to set up a Vodafone Business IT Hub in their area, forming part of its new strategic drive to help SMEs (small to medium-sized businesses) better manage and get the most from their IT solutions. Each Vodafone Business IT Hub will have a local territory in which it will offer an outsourced one-stop-shop for IT and communications managed services. Support on off ..read more

The Co-op has launched its first Welsh franchised store to serve and support the Parc Derwen community of Bridgend, South Wales. Co-op store, Parc Derwen. The convenience retailer operates approaching 40 franchise stores and says it is committed to growing its franchise model to bring its products and the benefits of Co-op membership to more communities. The 2,700 sq ft Parc Derwen outlet includes an in-store bakery and Costa coffee alongside a focus on fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, and free-from items including vegan and plant-base ..read more

As 2023 drew to a close, I reflected on the key developments in UK franchising case law in the year that was. There were four cases of note, three judgements awarded in favour of the franchisor, and one in favour of the franchisee. By Gordon Drakes, Partner, Fieldfisher Gordon Drakes Interestingly all four cases are related to the topic of non-renewal and termination, and there are number of key takeaways for franchisors to bear in mind. This article will not consider learnings from wider commercial case law, which is applicable to franchise systems, but sets out (in reverse chronological or ..read more

Julie Clabby, founder of Busylizzy, the pregnancy and postnatal fitness franchise, has set her sights on getting more women to embrace an active lifestyle during the busiest phase of their lives. Here she explains why Busylizzy aims to empower women to undertake 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Pregnancy and motherhood are transformative experiences that bring joy and fulfilment but also come with their set of challenges. One aspect that often takes a backseat is maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. However, a groundbreaking study by the Active Pregnancy Foundation in June 202 ..read more

As the world welcomes the rejuvenating spirit of spring, Paris Baguette, the renowned bakery brand, embraces this season of growth with significant developments. Paris Baguette, Kensington High Street, London. Following its successful expansion into the UK market, as detailed in previous issues of Franchise World, the brand is has announced the signing of three new franchise agreements. This marks a pivotal step in Paris Baguette’s strategic vision for European expansion. The journey of Paris Baguette, which began with a dream to globalise unique baking techniques, has been a tale of continu ..read more

The cruise specialist, GoCruise & Travel which is part of Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd., has refreshed its franchise offering and launched a new prospectus for those looking for a new opportunity in travel selling. Whether it’s embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage or staying in style at a luxury retreat, the vast array of trips bookable through GoCruise & Travel ensures that every type of dream holiday is taken care of. As a cruise specialist, GoCruise & Travel works with some of the industry’s top names, so travellers planning their dream sailing will be sure to find one that ticks ..read more

The Spring issue of Franchise World magazine features new franchises coming to the market and those reporting expanding networks. Take guidance from experts in the sector by reading the latest advisory articles and reading the news pages. The post Franchise World magazine | Spring 2024 issue is online now appeared first on Franchise World | UK’s longest established franchise magazine ..read more

Fat Phill’s, the Amsterdam-based smash burger franchise brand, has announced it has entered into a franchise agreement with Auntie Anne’s UK master franchisee, Freshly Baked Ltd., to develop the brand across the UK. The partnership has been co-ordinated by the London-based food franchise consultancy, Seeds Consulting, with an agreement for Freshly Baked to develop 100 locations over the next 10 years. Fat Phill’s was founded by Armin Vahabian in 2019 and has since expanded to 17 locations across the Netherlands. The brand specialises in fresh to order smash burgers, American-style sandwiches a ..read more