Member Article

Best of British: bfa and British Gas sign partnership

The British Franchise Association (bfa) has confirmed a new collaboration with British Gas after the energy provider became just the fourth Brand Partner of the Association.

British Gas has created an energy solution specifically tailored to franchise brands and their ability to leverage the buying power of their network – quoting prices based on the combined energy spend of multiple businesses, rather than looking at an individual outlet’s spend.

The British Gas franchise team, headed up by Dave Daniels with the support of regional managers operating throughout England, Wales and Scotland, will work with franchisors to explore the cost-saving options made possible through economies of scale; the greater the number of franchisees involved, the higher the potential savings to be made.

Dean Ewart, director of business markets at British Gas, said: “We know that many franchisees are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills, money which can then be reinvested back into the business. By using the buying strength of an entire network, we’re excited to be able to offer a solution which should help franchise business see their energy prices fall. We look forward to working with the bfa to help their members achieve these savings.”

Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, commented: “The decision of one of the UK’s best-known brands to enter the sector reflects the growing importance of franchising in the country’s business landscape. We’re impressed by the commitment shown by British Gas to understand the challenges facing franchise businesses and create solutions that offer genuine benefits to franchisors and franchisees alike.

“With energy prices central to the cost of doing business for many networks, this is a partnership that can offer significant immediate and long-term benefits to the franchise community. We look forward to working with British Gas and helping franchisees to recognise the inherent advantages that come from being part of a wider business network.”

Unsurprisingly, energy costs are consistently cited by both franchisors and franchisees as having a significant impact on their bottom line in the annual bfa/NatWest Franchise Survey, meaning the new partnership provides a welcome opportunity to drive down running costs for operators in the sector.

A select group, bfa Brand Partners are businesses that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the needs of franchisors and have created bespoke solutions to meet those needs cost-effectively. Current Brand Partners alongside British Gas are Atlas Mapping, Moreland Insurance and printing.com, all of whom offer special discounts to bfa members.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Stafford .