Franchise Focus
which sector will best suit their skill set. Two such franchisees are Helan Graham
and Stephanie Doherty, joint directors of Caremark, Oldham. On the launch of their operation, the business partners comment: “Following redundancy, we are delighted to be joining the Caremark network. Having previously considered other franchisors within the domiciliary care sector, we came to the decision that Caremark was the one for us due to the quality and professionalism it showed at every level.” A health and social care background is
Helan Graham and Stephanie Doherty
Women who Care
Despite the current challenging economic conditions, many professional women, including award-winning Caremark franchisees, are investing in great opportunities
INVESTMENT LEVEL: £25,000-£100,000 T
oday, the number of women in franchising is still relatively small, but the landscape is definitely changing. With more women in general holding positions of seniority, the
business world has much greater diversity across the globe and the franchise sector is no different. Women often make good franchisees; they are adept at multi-tasking – useful in the early days when they may have to turn their hand to steering the finances as well as organising their own pr campaigns and marketing. They are good at following a system or franchise model – an essential attribute within the world of franchising. Plus, women make great planners and organisers; they are not afraid to ask questions and are often effective listeners, all skills required to run a business as well as lead and motivate a team of staff. At present only around 16 per cent of
Caremark’s growing network of franchisees are women, with about 22 per cent of the network comprised of franchisees that are couples. It is interesting to note that since the
company franchised its business model in 2006, three winners of the Franchisee of the Year Award have been female franchisees – a testament to their ability to build a very successful, profitable business and deliver a high-quality service to their customers, all whilst embracing Caremark’s franchise model. “My success has come from sheer hard
work and being in total control of everything that happens within the business. By sticking to the Caremark system, I have implemented key office and management staff at the correct time,” says Alison Jackson of Caremark, Calderdale. Women who do decide upon a business in
the care industry are sometimes motivated to do so by personal experience of poor delivery of care to their own families. Behind their interest often lies a strong desire to make a difference to others’ lives through providing a quality care and support service. Some may have already worked within the health and social care sector and, following a career change or redundancy, find themselves looking at the years ahead and wondering
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Businessfranchise.com | July/August 2012
“There is a real benefit to being part of a franchise rather than trying to start a business from scratch. This is particularly true for the care sector.”
determination to build a solid business, the passion to deliver an excellent service and, of course, to develop the Caremark brand within their local marketplace. Franchising as a business option often
appeals to the more risk-averse investor and for female professionals wanting a long- term investment opportunity with the rewards of a personally and financially rewarding business, a Caremark franchise should be seriously considered. “There is a real benefit to being part of a
franchise rather than trying to start a business from scratch. This is particularly true for the care sector. The legislation is complex and you stand a better chance of success having the franchisor there to guide you through all this rather than go it alone,” says Janis Anderson, Franchisee of the Year 2011. She continues: “The care sector attracted my attention because it was clearly a growth industry and was providing a service which I knew I could feel passionate about.” There’s no doubting these are challenging
times but Caremark’s exciting business offering is a great opportunity for an individual who is looking for a rewarding career coupled with a sound, long-term investment. n
CAREMARK
WEBSITE:
www.caremark.co.uk EMAIL:
franchise@caremark.co.uk PHONE: 01903 266 392 CLASSIFICATION: Care
not vital, however, when it comes to owning and running a Caremark franchise. What is important for franchisees is a drive and
Investment: £20k-£50k
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