Co-op accredited by ethical franchise association

05 March 2021

The Co-op has been upgraded to an Associated Member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) regulatory body, reinforcing the retailer as a credible franchise partner.

The bfa, a voluntary self-regulatory body for the UK franchise industry is responsible for setting high quality standards of franchising across the UK. Having carried out a stringent analysis of the Co-op model including a forensic review of the commercial performance of trading sites and an extensive franchisee feedback questionnaire, this independent endorsement provides potential franchise partners with the reassurance that the model works.

The leading convenience retailer currently operates franchise stores in universities and communities across the country, showing breadth and diversity and highlights the agility of the proposition. Stores include four independent retailers, six on a university campus, three with Nisa partners, its first franchise partnership with a catering business, Gather & Gather and four Costcutter company owned stores.

Martin Rogers, Head of New Channels at Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have become a BFA associated member and it’s testament to our successful franchise business model and the lengths we go to in order to provide support for our partners. Our franchise offering has gone from strength to strength over the last few years as we continue to bring people together. We are focused on generating mutual value with like-minded partners as we reach new customers and members with award-winning and quality products. Our expertise and learnings in this area are helping us access new markets and are fantastic examples of how we’re reaching new locations all over the country.”

Through its full-service franchise model, Co-op offers a unique proposition for independent retailers who share the Co-op values and principles to become part of the Co-op community, giving more customers than ever access to great stores, in great locations providing award winning food and drink, conveniently.

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the bfa said, “We are pleased to welcome Co-op as an Associate Member of the bfa. The fundamental core of our work is upholding the standards and ethics of franchising for the UK and Co-op have again evidenced their commitment and investment in ethical franchising. We very much look forward to seeing their growth and success in the years to come.”

For more information visit the newly launched Co-op franchise website which showcases the benefits of being a Co-op franchisee from store design, tailored ranges, marketing and membership as well as hearing what it’s like to be part of the Co-op community from its franchise partners.

ENDS

For more information contact the press office
Kirsty Rushby, PR Manager
kirsty.rushby@coop.co.uk