Alice Tuffery, writer
Published at 27/10/2017, Updated on 23/10/2024 , Reading time: 5 min
Want to expand your knowledge? British Franchise Association (BFA) franchise seminars are a great way to find out more about specific topics and meet like-minded entrepreneurs. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about attending a franchise seminar organised by the British Franchise Association.
The BFA is the governing body for franchising in the UK. While there are no official laws covering the industry, the association works to make sure brands operate ethically and efficiently. Its regular seminars are a fantastic opportunity for those interested in running a franchise business to enhance their skills and understanding.
What is a BFA seminar?
BFA seminars usually focus on one specific topic, so attendees can choose to attend sessions based on the subjects relevant to them. Previous seminars have covered areas such as recruitment, marketing, resales and legal issues, as well as tips for choosing a franchise opportunity or becoming a franchisor.
The BFA invites industry veterans from a range of different backgrounds to share their insights and advice during the seminars. Usually, there’s also plenty of time for discussions and networking.
Unlike franchise exhibitions, where entry is often free, BFA franchise seminars usually set a price for tickets, in return for the valuable information attendees can gain.
Who should go to BFA franchise seminars?
The BFA welcomes anyone with an interest in franchising, from seasoned franchisors to complete novices. But the seminars will be most helpful for those who are new to the world of franchising or looking to use it as a business expansion method.
What are the benefits of attending a franchise seminar?
Attending a BFA franchise seminar is a great way to be proactive in your professional development journey and ensure you have as much information as possible before you get started.
Here are just a few of the advantages of attending a franchise seminar with the BFA:
1. You can develop an in-depth understanding of the franchising industry
Investing in a franchise involves a significant sum of money, even if you go for a low-cost opportunity. So, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you make the leap without pursuing all the facts. BFA franchise seminars can help you:
Weigh up the pros and cons of the franchise model
Appreciate the time, effort and financial commitments involved in franchising
Understand the complexity of the franchise agreement
Find the best way to fund your franchise
>> Read more:
- What are the Benefits of Attending a BFA Franchise Seminar?
- What is the BFA prospect franchisee certificate?
- The 6 Benefits of Choosing a BFA-Approved Franchise
- Become a bfa Qualified Franchise Professional
- And The Winner Is… The Best 18 Franchises According To The bfa
2. You can get advice from a range of industry professionals
BFA franchise seminars usually involve a selection of industry experts, from franchisors and consultants to solicitors and bank representatives. Participants can build up a picture of a day in the life of a franchisor or franchisee and gain a better understanding of the model and its requirements.
Attendees also get to hear about the challenges of running a franchise business first hand, and learn how the experts overcame any setbacks they faced. There’s no better way to find out whether franchising is right for you than by hearing from those who’ve used the model themselves.
3. You can ask questions
There’s a huge range of franchising information and advice online, but the beauty of attending a BFA franchise seminar is the chance to ask questions. Plus, other attendees are bound to raise queries you’d never even considered!
We recommend you prepare for a BFA franchise seminar by completing a bit of research beforehand. Once you have a basic understanding of the franchise model, you’ll be better placed to ask valuable questions, which will help decide on your next move.
4. They’re convenient
The franchise seminars are held regularly across the country, giving most people the opportunity to attend and learn. Also, the BFA runs multiple sessions on the same topic, so if you can’t make one seminar, there's always another chance to brush up your knowledge.
What’s more, the BFA packs its seminars full of interesting talks and discussions, and most only last an hour or two. So, you can schedule the session around other tasks and enhance your knowledge without dedicating a big chunk of your day.
>> Read more:
- 5 Advantages of Franchising for Young People
- 9 Things to Know Before Becoming a Franchisee
- Mythbusters: Common Misconceptions About What Makes a Successful Franchisee
- 5 Great Reasons to Become a Franchisee
- Franchising 101: Are You Ready to Become a Franchisee?
- Franchising 101: 6 Things to Know Before Becoming a Franchisee
How to get the most from BFA franchise seminars
Here are a few tips for getting value from a franchise seminar:
Take notes - Experts will be firing off hints and advice during the session, and it might be a lot to take in at once. Make sure you jot down the most useful points so you can reflect on them later.
Use business cards - BFA franchise seminars are a great opportunity to meet other industry professionals, so collect business cards and hand out your own. You never know when you might need to draw on their experience or whether they will have an opportunity for you in the future.
Read through your collected materials afterwards - After the seminar, you’ll be able to review the speaker presentations, magazines and books in your delegate package. Follow up on any contacts you’ve made and gather as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision if you’re deciding whether to take the franchise route.
How to attend a franchise seminar at the BFA
It’s worth going into a BFA franchise seminar with a good idea of the franchise model and its pros and cons. You’ll be able to get the most value from the session if you do a bit of research beforehand.
You might like to read around the industry and think about whether the franchise model is right for you. Review your finances, establish your budget and create a shortlist of the opportunities you’d like to pursue. Preparing a few questions is also a good idea, to avoid drawing a blank on the day.
You can discover upcoming BFA specialist seminars or browse all the events run across the organisation’s calendar on its website.
Alternatively, learn more about the wonderful world of franchising right here at Point Franchise, with our extensive range of business guides.
Alice Tuffery, writer