Management
Caremark
Before launching his Caremark fra nchise in Gra vesend, Kent, Raspinder Singh was a financial analyst. Eventually, he realised that, instead of feeling fulfilled, he was essentially ‘ticking boxes’.
passion for community wasn’t enough to guarantee business performance – I would need the backing of industry experts and professionals. I spent time doing my due diligence, researching other providers in the area and speaking with existing franchisees. I was instantly impressed by the collaborative nature of the network – everyone was accommodating and more than happy to exchange best practice.
“It's the quick rate at which my franchise was able to support local charities that continues to drive me to achieve”
Why did you decide to make the change into franchising? I took a step back and reassessed my priorities. I’ve always been entrepreneurially minded and take great pride in supporting others – I’m an integral member of the Sikh community and had been working with my local temple on a voluntary basis. As a member of a large extended family, I also know how important it is to keep families together at home where possible. This opened my eyes to the support I can offer the vulnerable residents in the area.
Why did you decide to join Caremark? The fact that the brand has a level of recognition and is respected within the care community resonated with me, but I was more intrigued by the level of support available. My will to succeed and a
How was the initial training? Before launching, I worked with Caremark to develop a business plan that incorporated the demand in the area. It also took into consideration the existing franchisees, who had already been operating profi table, compliant franchises in the region. I was able to maximise on their existing contracts by communicating the fact that another provider would soon be launching in the area. Unlike many other providers, this meant that I started trading the same day that I received registration from the Care Quality Commission.
What training and support is available ongoing? My regional development manager will come out and see us once a month. She’s almost like a mentor. There are also plenty of people within the network who are always happy to support – everyone’s really friendly.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? If I could turn back the clock and give myself one piece of advice, it would be: don’t become complacent. In those fi rst weeks, I invested signifi cant resources in marketing and recruitment. With contracts to fi ll, from that fi rst day, I was keen to bring in care workers to meet the demand. Once the business took off, my focus became divided between the various responsibilities that come with running a business. I took my eye off the marketing ball and our recruitment suffered, if only for a short time. Now, I make sure I revisit recruitment and invest funds into regular marketing campaigns.
How have you found trading, at the start and so far?
My initial business plan incorporated a projected rate of growth, in terms of client hours and care worker retention. Within nine months, with my newly appointed registered care manager, Amy, we had increased client hours from zero to 500 per week. In addition, and in line with my original estimations, care workers have consistently joined the team – with around two or three per month qualifying to administer care. Despite this measurable and rapid growth, it’s the quick rate at which my Caremark franchise was able to support local charitable causes that continues to drive me to achieve.
How well does the franchise provide a work-life balance? In comparison to when I worked in fi nance, I have a lot more fl exibility. My schedule is down to me to dictate. You certainly get a lot more satisfaction when something is your own. It never really feels like work.
What are your plans for the future? For the next 12 months, we’re trying to double up on everything we did last year. We have a big push on marketing and recruitment. We’re going to be doing a lot more in the local community, speaking to the places where we get a lot of our referrals.
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