Sallie Belton, director of bespoke tailoring franchise Suit the City, has been awarded Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) status from the British Franchise Association in recognition of her commitment to franchisee support and expertise in growing an ethical franchise business.

As the highest industry qualification available to individuals in UK franchising, Sallie joins an elite club of around 120 people to have completed the QFP. The bfa, the franchise sector’s regulatory body, states that holding the QFP “demonstrates that you understand the complexities and best practice in franchising and have invested time to continuously develop your understanding”.

The QFP is awarded after attending a series of interactive training courses and best practice-sharing events, followed by a rigorous interview with an expert panel. Sallie showcased her expertise and learning in areas including financial management, ethical recruitment practices, and an in-depth understanding of helping franchisees succeed.

Sallie said: “I’m so proud to become a QFP, I’ve always demanded the highest standards of myself so it’s very satisfying to reach this level in franchising. The bfa conference in 2016 inspired me to complete the course and made me realise how much I could learn from peers and colleagues to improve and broaden my knowledge.

“The opportunity to discuss things with hugely experienced franchisors has been invaluable to my development personally and our development as a business. Suit the City franchisees are already benefiting and I look forward to helping many more people start their own business, confident in our ability to maximise their success.

“I also really like that to retain the QFP you have to continue sharing and gaining knowledge through industry events. Good franchising demands considerable knowhow and strong ethics, and I’m proud to be recognised as one of a select group of people that are upholding those standards.”