Franchisee makes BFA history

Signs Express (N. & N.E. Lincs) franchisee Ken Bevis has been elected as one of the first franchisees to sit on the British Franchise Association (BFA) board in its entire history.

Ken who is one of two franchisees to be appointed onto the board, was chosen for his previous work on other committees within the BFA.

As the self governing body for franchising, the BFA’s decision to elect franchisees will enhance the wider views of the BFA’s ‘One Vision’ ethos to include not just franchisors but also franchisees as members.

The ‘One Vision’ programme highlighted new structures of governance, funding, accreditation and centrally the inclusion of franchisee membership. The BFA is therefore developing its current structures to provide more representation to professional advisors to the industry, and importantly, direct engagement and representation for franchisees.

The appointment of Ken is one of the key steps being taken in the development. He commented on his own vision as a member of the board: “We need to encourage franchisees to realise the significant changes in the BFA which can represent our industry at all levels including Government. The franchise industry as a whole is a major employer in the UK and should be recognised as such.”

Operating from his centre in Grimsby since 1992, Ken is one of the founding members of the Signs Express network and was recently rewarded for his efforts winning Franchisee of the Year at the 2009 Signs Express convention.

Ken and his team provide a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all forms of signage including interior/exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products, window graphics and health and safety signage for businesses in and around Grimsby, such as Cleethorpes, Barton Upon Humber and Scunthorpe.