Marla Custom Blinds

THE BFA GIVES MARLA CUSTOM BLINDS AN EARLY CHRISTMAS SURPRISE

20th December 2009

"MCB’s commitment to ethical franchising will pay dividends in the long run" - Pipa Wilkins, Business Development Manager, bfa

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s always nice to get a little something in the stocking early. So when Marla Custom Blinds’ (MCB) received news that they had secured their anticipated provisional bfa membership – the first major step toward becoming a full bfa member – it was double helpings of mince pies and an extra splash of sherry for everyone at their head office.

Apart from firming up the company’s credentials as an ethically operating franchise, the new membership gives prospective franchisees added confidence, knowing that MCB has met the stringent criteria laid out by the bfa.

Says Marla Custom Blinds founder, Martin Froud: “We’ve always had an ethical approach to business, and are already members of organisations that vet our consumer-side services. But I think it’s really important to also demonstrate our commitment to ethical franchising, and we’ve achieved that by becoming an accepted member of the bfa. The bfa is an important signpost for franchisees, helping them to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to buying a franchise. But it’s also a guiding light for franchisors, helping them to avoid making mistakes that can be detrimental to franchise growth in the early stages.”

The bfa accreditation process is crucial in that it drills down into the applicant’s franchise model and ascertains whether or not it is able to generate a sustained profit. In addition, the bfa ensures that advertising, recruitment and management of franchisor/franchisee relations adheres to the European Code of Ethics for franchising, and the all-important Franchise Agreement must be written with this in mind. In the accreditation process, the bfa also establishes whether a franchised business model is transferable, and that it can be continuously replicated into franchised outlets.

When Martin Froud first decided to franchise his business, which had already been operational for 15 years, he turned to bfa accredited franchise consultant Clive Sawyer for help. Says Sawyer: “When Martin first came to me, we agreed to structure his business model with the intention of MCB eventually becoming a bfa member. Everything from getting the franchise agreements drawn up by specialist franchise lawyers – who are also bfa accredited – to putting together a comprehensive operations manual for new franchisees to work from, was covered. What was refreshing for me was that, from the outset, Martin wanted to approach franchising in the right way, and by using bfa accredited professionals at every stage, his network growth has been given every chance of success.”

As a provisional bfa member, MCB is now able to take part in a number of important social and educational events on the franchising calendar, including quarterly regional forums, major awards ceremonies, the yearly bfa conference, and the Annual General Meeting.

Says the bfa’s business development manager, Pip Wilkins: “There are many key benefits to bfa membership. As a member, MCB will get the inside line on best practices for franchisors, and will also get to network with industry heavyweights, and franchisors who have been in business for decades with globally established networks.”

She adds: “Importantly, being part of the bfa is not compulsory, which goes to show how dedicated MCB, along with our other members, are to the ethical development of their franchise networks. MCB’s commitment to ethical franchising will pay dividends in the long run; by displaying the bfa logo on their marketing material, and by being listed on the bfa website, they are sending out all of the right signals to the highest calibre of franchisees – i.e. the ones who do their homework, and are thorough with their due diligence.”

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Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Provisional

UK Years Established
1 year

Current UK Coverage
0%

Franchisee Support Staff
4

Personal Investment Req.
£10,000

Total Startup Cost
£20,000 approx

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