‘Diary of a CEO’ host Steven Bartlett, named as headline speaker at 2024 BFA conference

Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author, founder of Flight Group and host of the UK’s No.1 Podcast ‘The Diary of A CEO’, has been named as the headline speaker at the 2024 BFA Conference sponsored by Citation and Evolve.

Formed in 1977, the BFA (British Franchise Association) is widely recognised as the hub of franchising in the UK. With a mission statement of ‘Discover Your Tomorrow with the BFA’ they are a source of education and inspiration for ethically led, professional business model franchising.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Innovation – Driving Business Success’. Steven Bartlett will be discussing leveraging digital advancements to build brand values across networks.

The event will be held on 7th November 2024 at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire.  Tickets are available from the BFA website, the event is open to BFA members and non-members. 

Other speakers at the conference will include the BFA’s CEO Pip Wilkins QFP, who will be discussing driving businesses forward through innovation and the Revive! senior team who will be adding their insights on achieving business success.  Paul Thompson QFP, chair of the BFA and founder and chair of Water Babies, the world’s number one baby swimming school, will host a fireside chat offering his perspective on leadership and insight.

Multiple expert-led breakout sessions across the day will address topics such as digital innovation and customer-centric strategies. Interactive sessions will be held to fuel creativity and reveal fresh perspectives. A clinic run by the BFA’s legal committee will provide updates and an opportunity to ask for legal advice on subjects delegates are concerned about.

The conference will also host the 2024 WorkBuzz Awards, following the brand’s successful Franchisee Satisfaction Benchmark results.

In the evening BFA members are invited to attend the 2024 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards. A black-tie event, commonly known as the Oscars of the franchising world, recognises the best of the best in franchising.

CEO Pip Wilkins said: “We are delighted to reveal the lineup of our 2024 conference generously sponsored by Citation and Evolve, bringing together as it will, franchising professionals from across the UK. We are of course thrilled to have Steven as our headline speaker this year; his business acumen and success need no introduction and with this year’s theme of ‘Innovation – Driving Business Success’, I know the franchise community will be eager to hear his thoughts and strategies on growing brand values via digital advancements across networks.”

She continued: “Alongside our keynote speakers, we’ve scheduled breakout sessions to allow delegates to hear about the latest trends and challenges in the sector, to learn from each other, gain insight, share best practices and enhance their knowledge across the day. The opportunity to network with fellow franchisors is often the highlight of the event for many; the new connections made, the opportunities to collaborate with each other gained and the support offered should never be underestimated, and are at the heart of our great franchising sector. Tickets are on sale now and the team and I look forward to meeting friends old and new for a vibrant conference in 2024.”