NEWS&TRENDS
Nigel and Linda Allen, Home Instead Senior Care Chingford
If you and your other half are considering taking the plunge into business together, franchising is the ideal format
u Nigel and Linda set up their Home Instead franchise in 2017, with the aim of making a difference in their community. Franchising wasn’t new to them, but the sector was, and the journey so far has certainly lived up to their expectations.
Why did you choose to start a homecare franchise together? Linda: We had always wanted to work together and Home Instead has provided us with the perfect opportunity to combine both our caring and business skills. Having had personal experience in the past of just how difficult it can be to source quality care for our own loved ones, we were inspired to own a homecare franchise.
What skills do each of you bring? Nigel: For many years I worked in numerous management roles at McDonalds, in the UK and internationally and this is where I gained my knowledge of franchising. Before joining Home Instead, I was a self-employed management development consultant. Linda has a background in customer service, she then took time out to be a full-
p Nigel and Linda with the Home Instead Senior Care Chingford team
time mum. When our youngest daughter went to school, she trained and qualified as a driving instructor. Helping people to succeed has been a huge focus in both our careers and will continue to be.
Why did you choose Home Instead? Nigel: I had worked with the Home Instead national office on a consultancy basis and I was very impressed with the excellent attention to detail, high standards and vision of the brand. I discussed the idea of buying a franchise with my colleagues in the McDonald’s franchising department, who told me that Home Instead was very highly thought of and one person said, ‘they are the best in the home care sector, a leading-edge business’.
What do you enjoy about running your own business? Linda: A key part of the franchise model is networking and it is something we love to do. We have brought together a wonderful team that we trust – they all
care deeply about the service we provide and caring for older people.
What have been your highlights? Nigel: There have been many, but a particularly proud moment was when two of our daughters, Rebekah and Elspeth, joined the business. We took them to the Home Instead national conference last year where the whole network comes together to learn, develop and celebrate. Rebekah soon realised this was what she wanted to do, she is now our compliance and quality assurance officer. It’s funny, but she is so enthusiastic, we have had to ban her from talking about work at home!
And what of the future? There are more and more older people needing care in their own homes which means that we are suitably positioned for our business to continue to grow. We both have a great passion to give
back and to invest in our local community and its people, something we aim to do for a long time to come.
BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 11
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franchising Case Study
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