Market Focus
Home Instead Senior Care
I spoke to existing Home Instead franchise owners, who spoke passionately about the brand and about providing dignified care to seniors. They were astute businesspeople, too – there was a strong sense of collaborative spirit, which I found very persuasive.
How did you find out about the opportunity?
Nell Light
I went to The National Franchise Exhibition and, after picking up ideas, searched online, attended open days and compared business models. I had a shortlist of 15 franchisors that I whittled down to just two.
Nell runs Home Instead Andover and East Wiltshire and started trading in October 2016.
What did you do before franchising? Before owning my own Home Instead franchise I spent 17 years in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a medical support officer. My role took me on tours in Kosovo and Iraq, plus an eight-month deployment to Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola outbreak. Here, I was in command of the Ebola hospital and was responsible for people, equipment and quarantine protocols.
Why franchising and why with Home Instead Senior Care? I’d heard the word franchising but didn’t know what it meant. After doing my own research I discovered franchising gives you a clear model, but is robust enough for you to follow your own path. Home Instead’s ethos, culture, and commitment to quality really resonated with me. I could see a values-based organisation in front of me with so many of the values I share with them, such as selfless commitment, respect for others and total professionalism.
Why were you drawn to a franchise in the care industry?
A friend of a friend at a Home Instead Senior Care franchise arranged a three-day work placement. That was the defining moment when I knew I wanted to own a franchise within the care industry. Spending time with the team showed me how satisfying working within the industry could be. The office was providing a great service to their local community and changing the lives of their clients and their team. I wanted that level of job satisfaction each day.
What training and support did you receive, both at the start and ongoing?
Home Instead tailors the support to your needs. I didn’t need much support in HR or operations; however, I’d never been responsible for any more money than a tea fund! Home Instead gave me a fully worked up set of financial projections for the next five years, and we had formal lessons on wages, pensions and holiday pay. My business performance manager visits me regularly and helps me make business decisions. I’ve also been given a lot of support with marketing.
How has business been so far? As Home Instead has over 190 offices in the UK and operates within 14 countries, the model is incredibly predictable. My financial forecast has followed the trends I expected – I was literally £50 out after just over a year of operation! I was told what hurdles to expect at specific parts of my franchise journey, so there have been no surprises. Today, my office provides care for 20 older people, I employ 25 caregivers and have a team of three manning the office.
What are your plans for the future of the business?
Short term, I plan to double my client numbers, meaning I can recruit another office-based employee. I’d also like to focus on providing employment opportunities for more military families.
How has your life changed since you launched your Home Instead Senior Care franchise?
Since beginning my Home Instead franchise I’ve had more control and flexibility in my life, but with the assurance of being part of a wider network and all the support that brings. I’m providing a quality service to my local community and providing more jobs, too.
Would you recommend franchising to others? And do you have any advice for those considering franchising? I would recommend franchising to others, as it offers you the ability to run your own business but with a proven model. I joined a franchise with a trusted brand and industry-leading support, providing tools and resources on things I wouldn’t have been able to do alone. I would strongly recommend you do your research, so you can see which business is the best fit for you. Home Instead matched my ethos and I’m so glad I am part of the network.
March 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 27
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