Midlands law firm Freeth Cartwright has been awarded professional advisor affiliate membership to the British Franchise Association (BFA), the only accreditation body for franchising in the UK. 

The accreditation is awarded to firms that demonstrate considerable expertise in franchising supported by references from franchise business members of the Association.

Raymond Joyce, partner and head of commercial at Freeth Cartwright's Birmingham office, said:  "The firm has been advising clients in the franchise sector for many years, so having the seal of approval of the BFA is a great endorsement of the work that we do.

"The award demonstrates Freeth Cartwright's commitment to advising franchised businesses, a sector which is managing to thrive in this credit crunch economy."

Freeth Cartwright advises on all aspects of franchising, including contracts, strategy, disputes, audits, property and branding. It offers no obligation fixed fee reviews and risk audit packages.

The Birmingham office of Freeth Cartwright, which offers franchising advice as part of a full range of commercial services, was launched in January last year and has subsequently seen a significant growth in its client base.

In April this year, the expanding firm moved its Birmingham base into the heart of the city's business community at 75 Colmore Row.  The new offices now house a team of 14 solicitors and support staff, headed up by managing partner Richard Beverley.

Freeth Cartwright also has established offices in Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Manchester.