Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the BFA (British Franchise Association), is celebrating her 25th anniversary working for the association having joined in June 1999 as a business services assistant.
Pip Wilkins
Wilkins (44) joined the BFA at the age of 19 working very much behind the scenes of the association with member data and event administration. For the next 25 years she worked her way up through every role from events to client services, business development to operations until securing the role as BFA chief executive in 2016 aged 37.
Reflecting on her 25 years at the association, Wilkins says she is most proud of making the BFA 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.
“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.”
Encouraging Women In Business
A key indicator of Wilkins’ success said the association was the annual EWIB (Encouraging Women In Business) event. As an especially passionate advocate for women in business, she led the way in creating a space for women to come together, to connect and ultimately, to feel safe to be their authentic selves.
The BFA adds that Wilkins 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’s event celebrated an extraordinary decade of EWIB with 198 women attendees.
Wilkins says she is 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 see the women 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. 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,” concludes Wilkins.
For more information on the next EWIB event on 19th September 2024 at the Athena Events Venue, Leicester, visit www.thebfa.org.
Posted: 14th June, 2024