It can help. The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the franchise industry's voluntary self-regulatory body. Membership shows the franchisor has been assessed against the bfa's standards and has agreed to follow its Code of Ethics. Lenders may see it as a positive sign.
What membership means
- Voluntary: franchisors don't have to join, and many good brands aren't members.
- Tiers: the bfa's membership tiers are Emerging, Expanding, Established and International, reflecting how developed the franchise network is.
- The Code of Ethics: members commit to fair and transparent dealings with franchisees, including full written disclosure before you sign.
What it doesn't mean
- It isn't a guarantee that the franchise will succeed, or that you'll get finance.
- Lenders still assess the brand's own track record and figures. See How do I check a franchisor before I invest?.
How to check
Search the member directory on the bfa's website, and ask the franchisor which tier it holds.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026