British Franchise Association appoints new BDM

The bfa has announced its new business development manager as Emily Embra, who took up her role on 2 September. Emily has come full circle, having previously worked for the bfa several years ago!

With responsibility for member recruitment, retention and engagement, Emily will be working closely with the bfa’s head of operations, Pip Wilkins, and brings with her a multitude of business skills gained from previous roles with healthcare software supplier iSoft and Barclaycard.

Emily said of her appointment: “It’s great to be back at the bfa! I’m thrilled to be working closely with Pip once again and am looking forward to the challenge of both increasing our membership numbers and maximising current members’ benefits.

“With the economy showing early signs of the green shoots of recovery, it’s an exciting time to be a field-based representative of the Association and I can’t wait to get going. I relish meeting new businesses and hearing their stories, and am looking forward to helping them expand and succeed through ethical franchising, which has so much to offer to UK businesses.”

Pip said: “We were delighted when Emily applied for the role as she always had a strong work ethic and was a very popular member of the team. Having spent some time away from the bfa gaining vital business experience, she brings with her the rounded skill set needed to push forward our plans for the future. I’ve no doubt she’ll become a popular and respected figure within the franchise community.”

Emily will hit the ground running, with prospective member visits, educational seminars and Franchise Opportunities Live all on the radar – in her first week alone!

She succeeds previous BDM Kerry Bhella, who took up a senior role within Burger King franchising earlier in the summer.