Oven Wizards have become the newest member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) after satisfying a strict accreditation process to demonstrate a commitment to ethical franchising.

Established in 2004, the oven cleaning business was taken over by Mark Abbott and John Graham four years ago and under their guidance has expanded to a network of 36 franchisees operating across the UK. The pair have adopted a hands-on approach from the outset, both remaining directly involved in recruiting, launching and supporting each of their franchisees to give them the best chance of success.

The bfa is the trade body for franchising standards in the UK. It accredits franchisors against a comprehensive code of conduct, a process which includes the company’s financial position, business systems, disclosure of information to prospective franchisees, the terms of the franchise agreement and feedback received from existing franchisees.

Mark Abbott, managing director of Oven Wizards, said: “We are really pleased to be taking up membership of the bfa – what better time to do so as 2014 is shaping up to be our best year yet with eight new franchisees already having joined us so far. In addition the number of ovens cleaned by our franchisees is up by well over 50% year on year.

“We will be looking to become active members of the bfa as we seek to grow the reputation of the Oven Wizards brand and share our business ethos with more new franchisees.”

Brian Smart, the bfa’s director general, said: “We welcome Oven Wizards to the bfa as an Associate Member. As the UK’s self-regulatory body for franchising we have very strict standards and criteria for membership. Oven Wizards have successfully satisfied this accreditation process, demonstrating a commitment to investment in ethical franchising, and can look forward to making the most of their bfa membership and the benefits it brings.”