BFA Chief Executive celebrates 25 years at the largest franchise association in the UK

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA (British Franchise Association), is celebrating her 25th anniversary working for the largest and most established franchise association in the UK today.

Wilkins, (44), joined the BFA in 1999 at the age of 19, as a business services assistant working very much behind the scenes with member data and event administration. For the next 25 years she worked her way up through every role in the association from events to client services, business development to operations until finally securing the role as chief executive in 2016 at the age of 37.

Reflecting on her quarter of a century at the BFA, Wilkins says she is most proud of making the association a more modern, inclusive and diverse place for staff, members, advisors and suppliers:

“Since taking on the role as CEO the association has reported year on year increased engagement across its portfolio of services, pointing to a more connected community that is keen to continue evolving, learning and growing together.’

She continued: “It’s funny to look back on what the association was 25 years ago. When I first started, we had a post room, and a key part of my role was making and posting out vast prospect and member packs. Everything was fax machines and snail mail.’

“I take immense pride in the way the association has developed over the years. Gone are the days where our events only attracted the founder of the business with just a handful of women in the room, all our events are now vibrant, fun and welcoming to anyone and everyone in franchising, regardless of title or status. It has taken a lot of hard work to bring about a culture change at the BFA, to shake the ‘elitist club’ status and to make us a more inclusive place for all.”

A key indicator of Wilkins’s success is the annual EWIB (Encouraging Women In Business) event.  As an especially passionate advocate for women in business, Pip led the way in creating a space for women to come together, to connect and ultimately, to feel safe to be their authentic selves. Her intention was always for EWIB to be an event like no other. One which doesn’t just enhance professional lives but goes one step further by impacting the various aspects of being a businesswoman in today’s world. Last year, the BFA celebrated an extraordinary decade of EWIB, with 198 women coming together for the event.

Wilkins says: “I am so proud of EWIB and the role it has played in growing the BFA and effecting change. EWIB is simply the most uplifting and powerful of events; to be in a room full of hundreds of women, and to see the looks on their faces as they network, laugh and sometimes tell deeply personal stories, is a truly amazing feeling and one I am very proud to have been part of.”

Looking ahead, Wilkins says her direction for the future of the BFA is simple: “More education and promotion.” She continues: “Franchising still needs to be recognised on a wider scale, both at an educational and business level and we are working hard to spread the word through increased PR and marketing activities. The education of the next generation is also high on our agenda, and I am delighted to confirm we are in final stage talks with a leading University, to bring franchising into the academic world. Finally, as ever, we are listening to our members and acting on their wants and needs. Our recent member survey has provided some key areas of development and if the last 25 years have taught me anything, it is that with a strong team and engaged membership behind us, we can accomplish anything.  The future for the BFA and the UK franchise sector is looking brighter than ever, and I look forward to leading and supporting it through our next level of growth and innovation.”