Special Feature Bluebird Care J
ulie McLellan owns and runs Bluebird Care North Tyneside. Before investing in her franchise, Julie was branch manager of estate agents around North East England.
What prompted your decision to buy a franchise?
I had been a branch manager for a long time and was very successful at it, but I was not getting the job satisfaction I longed for. I left to become my own boss and build my own business instead of helping other people build theirs. I was ready for a new and exciting challenge!
Why this particular sector and why with Bluebird Care? How did you hear about them? I knew that domiciliary care is a growing sector and that here in the UK we have an ever-increasing ageing population. The social care available in our area was not at a standard that I would want for my family and I set out to change that. Bluebird Care talked about the quality and continuity of care I felt was lacking in
our area. I was looking for an established business that was held in high regard and a company that would provide support and commitment to the franchisee. I carried out many weeks of research into the care industry and Bluebird Care ticked all the boxes for me. Having then gone on to meet the Bluebird Care team at head office, I concluded that the company was operated in a very professional way and had an excellent reputation in the care sector. It was a brand I wanted to be part of and I was confident enough to change direction and become a franchise owner.
How is it going so far? Things are going very well for us. The business continues to grow month on month; we now employ 40 local people and look after over 70 customers across the borough of North Tyneside. We won a Great British Care award in 2013 and received the Spirit of Bluebird Care award at the franchise owner annual conference this year.
How did you find the training and support offered by Bluebird Care? I had no experience of running my own business or the care sector so it was rather daunting at first, but Bluebird Care were extremely supportive. The franchise-owner training course was extremely well organised and very informative. All aspects of becoming a franchise owner were covered in great depth and we were made to feel part of the network from day one. The northern-based business development manager (BDM) made
contact with me within a few hours and answered all of my initial questions. He then assisted in finding my office, he helped with key staff recruitment and marketing and ensured that I was successfully registered with the Care Quality Commission.
The BDM now visits me on a
regular basis to offer ongoing advice and guidance. There have been times when I have needed more help than others and it is reassuring to know that it is there if needed.
Has being a woman in franchising presented any particular challenges or advantages?
Sometimes people look past leading women for the man in the business, but I know that I have more than enough strength and business acumen to lead my company and take us forward. I am not treated any differently by the franchisor at all – I firmly believe that I am judged on my success, not my gender.
Would you recommend franchising (and investing with Bluebird Care) to others?
I would definitely recommend franchising as you can invest in your own business and be your own boss. With Bluebird Care, you can rest assured you are working with a proven business model and a strong support network in place. Setting up a business always carries risk, but with franchising the risk is minimised and you are not alone. I am following the Bluebird Care model and the results speak for themselves. n
December/January 2015 |
Businessfranchise.com | 39
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