Wilkins (46) first joined the trade association as a business services assistant in 1999, working her way up through every department until being made CEO in April 2016.
What is the BFA?
The BFA is the UK’s self-regulatory body for franchising. The association was formed in 1977, and Wilkins is the only female CEO to date. The BFA currently has over 350 franchisors, 100...
A major new memorial is being created at St Nicholas’ Church, Dunkeswell, to honour the USAAF, US Navy and RAF airmen who served at Dunkeswell Airfield during the Second World War. The commemorative stained‑glass window, designed to honour their courage and sacrifice, will be unveiled on 14 June 2026, coinciding with the annual American Sunday.
Marlborough Primary School in Plymouth, part of the Reach South Academy Trust , is proud to announce that teacher, and maths lead, Louise Kendall has been shortlisted in the Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026.
This national recognition celebrates Louise’s exceptional teaching, warm approach, and unwavering...
The developer behind the major Saltram Meadow site in Plymstock has exchanged contracts with a national supermarket on land intended to host its newest branch.
Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon’s agreement with Aldi paves the way for the delivery of the promised amenities, commercial opportunities, and local jobs created because planning permission was given to the overall...
Pupils at Drake Primary Academy , part of the Reach South Academy Trust, are enjoying a brand-new climbing frame thanks to the support of the school’s PTA.
The equipment, which is already proving a hit, offers a fun and engaging way for pupils to build confidence, develop physical skills and work together during playtimes.
Funding for the climbing frame came from the sale of...
King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) , part of Education South West (ESW), recently welcomed local MP Caroline Voaden for a tour of the school’s new specialist provision for students with additional needs.
The visit centred on the new special educational needs (SEND) unit, which has been designed to support children and young people with autism.
A determined local runner is celebrating an incredible milestone in his fundraising journey for Rowcroft Hospice, having completed the 25th half marathon on Saturday 18 April in his ambitious challenge to run 50 half marathons before turning 50 this October.
Geoff Pring, from Newton Abbot, is marking the halfway point in a 12-month challenge that’s testing both his physical and...
A school community in Torquay has come together to support a local teacher taking on the London Marathon, after she was inspired by the challenges faced by her pupils.
Sarah Pappin will run the 26.2-mile race this April for The Children’s Society. As Head of Brunel House at Torquay Academy, she was particularly keen to support the house charity, having seen first-hand the pressures...
Rowcroft Hospice is calling on people across South Devon to turn their love of running into vital support for local people living with life-limiting illness. From fun 5ks to coastal endurance challenges and city marathons, Run for Rowcroft encourages runners of all abilities to take on a challenge and raise funds to help patients and families when they need it most.
Cancer Lifeline South West (CLSW) is preparing for a day of laughter, entertainment, and community spirit as it hosts its second annual Family Fun Day on Sunday 26th April, in the name of community and fundraising.
The event will take place once again in the beautiful grounds of Ugbrooke House, near Newton Abbot, and promises a packed programme of activities for all ages.
