Home Instead team are Qualified Franchise Professionals

Ruth Brown and Imogen Clarke were among the first cohorts to gain this qualification from the bfa

The franchising team at Home Instead have achieved full Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) status, awarded by the British Franchise Association (bfa).

Business development director, Ruth Brown and head of franchise development, Imogen Clarke have gained the formal recognition of professional knowledge and experience in franchising from the bfa. The initiative is unique in the sector and encourages ongoing professional development for those working within the UK franchise industry.

The status demonstrates that an individual understands the complexities of, and best practice in, franchising and have invested time to continuously develop their understanding.

To gain QFP status, both Ruth and Imogen had to increase their knowledge and experience in synergy with ongoing work commitments, alongside invest in teams and support their development in franchising. They had to experience a blended approach of compulsory QFP modules and learning events over a three year period, and finally produce a dialogue and attend a final interview with the QFP expert panel.

Ruth Brown said: “I have worked in franchising for many years now, and becoming a Qualified Franchise Professional will help formally acknowledge my understanding of and experience in the franchising sector, alongside help to keep me updated and educated about the sector and any changes or innovations.

“It has benefits for both employees and employers. Employees can benefit from industry-wide recognition, increased franchising knowledge, enhanced career opportunities and peer networking, alongside being able to demonstrate a competitive edge. Employers can benefit from improved business effectiveness, increased value added to their business, better-supported franchisees, as well as helping to attract better quality new franchisees.”

Imogen said: “It is great that there is this wonderful opportunity in the franchise sector to continue in developing our professional skills, and myself and Ruth were proud to be part of one of the first cohorts to gain this qualification. Many thanks to the team at the bfa for their ongoing support and efforts to advance the franchise sector.”