Member Article

National accreditation for award-winning NE events’ company

An award-winning North East business has received important national accreditation to help it grow further.

Simply Bows and Chair Covers - the current holder of the coveted British Chamber of Commerce Most Promising New Business accolade - has become a member of the British Franchise Association (BFA) following a thorough assessment of its franchise model.

The specialist table and chair linen business, established by Northumberland-based Sarah Pittendrigh in 2008, had to undergo a stringent entry process to gain accreditation to the BFA which is the only self-regulatory body for the UK franchise industry with a standard-based approach and entry process.

The BFA’s aim is to promote ethical franchise practice, providing credibility for members and the opportunity for growth. Membership proves the franchise is reputable, responsible and successful.

Sarah said: “Simply Bows and Chair Covers had to be BFA-tested against strict and extensive criteria in order to join. Membership helps potential franchisees recognise the worth of companies that have a proven track record, such as ours.

“Representation by the BFA is vital for growth and further secures Simply Bows and Chair Covers’ position in the UK market. This accreditation is also a massive boost for my franchisees around the country who I am passionate about continually investing in and supporting with their growth plans.”

Brian Smart, director general of the BFA, said: “As the UK’s only voluntary self-regulatory body for franchising, we have very strict standards and criteria for membership based on a franchisor’s business systems, franchise agreement and the support they offer their franchisees. Simply Bows and Chair Covers has satisfied this accreditation process and is committed to investing in ethical franchising practice.”

Sarah Pittendrigh established Simply Bows and Chair Covers in 2008 and now has 13 franchises all over the UK specialising in quality chair covers and table linen for weddings, balls and corporate events at high profile venues.

The company recently announced the expansion of its services and now provides hotels and restaurants with daily table linen and napkin hire to use in their dining rooms, as well as for special events, and it is proving successful around the UK as more restaurants and hotels look to outsource specific services, such as those related to table linen, to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

So far this year, Sarah has added two new franchises in Essex and North Northumberland and has appeared in the Sunday Times advising other entrepreneurs about business start-up. In addition, Sarah has also been recruited by a national speakers’ agency to carry our speaking engagements at events around the UK.

Simply Bows and Chair Covers has seen demand for its services increase dramatically in the last year and now has franchises in locations such as Aberdeen, Cumbria, Lancashire, Berkshire and around the North East and Yorkshire working with luxury hotels, restaurants and other venues.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .