Earlier this week, two of the leading ladies in franchising from both sides of the pond met for the first time in the UK. Chief Executive of the British Franchise Association, Pip Wilkins, welcomed the International Franchise Association’s Chair, Shelly Sun, in a meeting to continue the ongoing relationship between the two organisations.
Hot on the tail of the British Franchise Association’s International Franchise Week where the IFA’s Immediate Past Chair and Managing Partner of NRD Capital, Aziz Hashim, talked about franchising, leadership and global growth, Tuesday’s meeting progressed those discussions. Highlighting areas of common challenges in franchising and sharing successes, the ladies and their supporting teams enjoyed the chance to concentrate on plans to bring US and UK counterparts closer together. Both franchisee engagement and membership standards were seen as key areas for the organisations to share best practice on over the next 12 months.
“The power of collective ambition is fundamental to strengthening franchising both in the UK and overseas. The bfa and IFA have a long-standing relationship and a rich network of experts and data sources. This week’s meeting provided a positive platform from which we can both build on frameworks and initiatives that will see UK and international stakeholders alike successfully collaborate to future-proof the sector. I look forward to visiting the US for the IFA’s Convention next February,” said Pip.
“The US franchising industry so appreciates its continuing relationship with the British Franchise Association, representing our UK counterparts. We’ve worked together for many years and, as IFA chair, I can assure you that partnership will continue,” said Shelly.
The two ladies met again on Thursday for a drinks reception at the Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, London, where Shelly invited a wide-ranging group of franchising experts from the UK.
