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forward will also bring with it the question, ‘where can I find my next challenge?’ Franchising is often seen as the perfect


A


alternative career for ex-service men and women, because it not only provides them with the challenge of starting up their own business, but it will also require the self-discipline, motivation and organisational skills that will have been drilled into them during their time in service.


It is also a practical option for those who have either retired or been offered a redundancy package. A long career in the forces, for example, can generate a pension that the employee can receive, in part, as a lump sum. Such a pay-out can provide potential franchisees with the money to invest in a new business. In light of recent defence cuts announced by the government, which will see up to 4,200 members of the armed forces lose their jobs, many service men and women could find that their redundancy package acts as a catalyst to invest in a franchise. Plus for those with little or no experience, franchising is a less risky way to start your own business.


As Andy Hirst, head of franchise development at Domino’s explains, ex-service men and women often make successful franchisees.


He says: “Although we train all of our new franchisees for the specifics of operating a Domino’s store, many of them already have expertise from their previous jobs that can be applied to their new franchise. For example, franchisees that have joined us from the forces have a great sense of determination, leadership and teamwork, which is essential to the operation of every store.” Here four franchisees explain how they made the successful transition from the forces to franchising.


Caremark


After working as a


bandmaster and director of music in the army for 20 years, Calum Gray, 53, is now the franchise owner of Caremark in Winchester and Eastleigh.


career in the armed forces is perhaps one of the most challenging, so for many people leaving the forces in their 40s and 50s, the question of what to do going


Why after leaving the army did you decide to go into franchising?


At the age of 16 I enlisted into the army as a musician. I had no long-term plans to remain in uniform but, as things transpired, my military career lasted 33 years. The last 20 years of my army career was spent as a bandmaster, then director of music. I knew that in my second career I wanted a degree of control, I had no desire to be locked into a nine-to-five office job. Running my own business was therefore the obvious answer and without any previous experience in this field, franchising ticked all the boxes.


“Franchisees that have joined us from the forces have a great sense of determination, leadership and teamwork”


Why did Caremark appeal to you? Prior to leaving the army I was a volunteer with a national organisation supporting people in crisis and I found this hugely fulfilling. Having a second career in domiciliary care – providing care and support for vulnerable members of our community in their own homes – was a natural route to follow. After carrying out my research, Caremark was the first business that I visited, where I was provided with my first introduction to domiciliary care. I was immediately taken by their professional, patient and informative approach. Although other care providers demonstrated impressive qualities, it ultimately proved an easy decision to opt for Caremark.


How do the skills you acquired in the army help towards running your own franchise? Domiciliary care is a people business and many of the skills I developed in the army are called upon on a daily basis, such as my communication and organisation skills. There is no shortage of challenges, whether it’s developing the office team, recruiting and training new carers, or marketing and growing the business, there is always something.


Was it the right decision to move into franchising?


Having spent so many years in uniform, often wondering how my post-military life would unfold, I consider myself very lucky to have such a rewarding second career. There is nothing to be lost and potentially much to be gained from contacting head office. Caremark is growing both nationally and internationally and I am delighted to be playing my part.


March 2012 | Businessfranchise.com | 27


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