Attending the British Franchise Association (BFA) Annual Conference and Awards Day for the first time was an unforgettable experience. As a first-time finalist for the Franchisor of the Year award, I was both honoured and excited to be part of such a prestigious event.
The conference, held on 7th November 2024 at the Telford International Centre, was themed “Innovation – Driving Business Success”
Conference
The day commenced with a networking breakfast, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow franchisors and industry professionals over coffee and pastries.
The lineup of speakers was truly impressive. Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA, delivered an insightful session on driving businesses forward through innovation. Paul Thompson, Chair of the BFA and founder of Water Babies, hosted a fireside chat offering his perspective on leadership and insight. The Revive! senior team shared their experiences on achieving business success, providing practical advice and inspiration. Business coach Libby Langley also offered valuable insights during her session.
Highlights
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the fireside chat with Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author, and host of the UK's No.1 Podcast ‘The Diary of A CEO'
His discussion on leveraging digital advancements to build brand values across networks was both enlightening and inspiring. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to ask him a question during the session, gaining direct insight from his wealth of experience.
Throughout the day, multiple expert-led breakout sessions addressed topics such as digital innovation, customer-centric strategies, and people management techniques. An interactive session fuelled creativity and revealed fresh perspectives to drive business forward. A legal clinic run by the BFA’s Legal Committee provided updates and an opportunity to ask legal advice on subjects delegates were concerned about
The Awards Dinner
The evening culminated in the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the franchising world!
The awards dinner was exquisite, featuring a delicious menu that delighted all attendees. Following the formalities, a dance floor provided the perfect setting to celebrate and unwind, with many taking the opportunity to dance and enjoy the festivities.
Reconnecting with franchise friends and colleagues was another highlight of the event. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the franchising industry. Engaging in conversations, sharing experiences, and celebrating each other's successes made the event truly special.
Reflecting on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the recognition as a finalist and the enriching experiences gained. The BFA Annual Conference and Awards Day not only celebrated excellence in franchising but also provided invaluable insights and connections that will undoubtedly contribute to future success.
I am already looking forward to next year's event, eager to reconnect with the franchising community and continue the journey of innovation and excellence.
Tappy Toes is an ‘expanding' member of the BFA. In order to join the association, a rigourous application process is required. If you are considering buying into a franchise brand, make sure they are BFA accredited! Better still, join our Tappy Toes network and have that peace of mind that you are joining an ethical, award winning franchise that truly cares about your success!
View our prospectus at tappytoes.com/franchise
