The chief executive of the British Franchise Association (BFA), Pip Wilkins, recently appeared on the BBC’s flagship show, The Apprentice. This was the second time that the BFA boss had been invited on to the long-running programme to offer her opinions as a franchising specialist.
Pip was called upon to provide valuable insight about the industry during the concluding episode of the 2024 series, when the chosen contestants gave their final pitches.
Hosted by Lord Alan Sugar, alongside fellow judges Karren Brady and former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, the show recently completed its 18th season, having started back in 2005.
Speaking about this latest appearance, Pip said: “I was super delighted to have been invited back as one of the experts. It just goes to show that upcoming entrepreneurs are considering franchising as a future option.
“Both concepts by the finalists would certainly fit the franchise model and I wish them the best of luck with their business plans for the future.”
With almost 25 years’ of experience in the franchise sector, Pip is a highly respected figure. Well regarded for her dedication and depth of knowledge, she discussed the complexities of franchising with this year’s Apprentice finalists.
Emphasising that this business model is not a one-size-fits-all solution, she added: “Franchising isn’t right for everyone. Always seek out good advice before making your decision. This is key to what we do at the BFA. We have always championed diversity and accessibility.”
Pip explained how the BFA is always ready to provide support for prospective franchisors and franchisees, at whatever stage of their journey.
To learn more about the BFA please click here.
To watch The Apprentice episode in which Pip appears, please click here.
About the BFA: The British Franchise Association is the voluntary self-regulating governing body for UK franchising and was formed in 1977. The BFA promotes franchise systems which meet strict ethical and business criteria. The term ‘franchising’ has been used to describe many different forms of business relationships. Business format franchising is the granting of a license by the franchisor to the franchisee. This entitles the franchisee to trade under the trade name of the franchisor. The BFA lists its members, and code of ethics, on the website www.thebfa.org.
