Working with family
Practice Common values
T
WPA Healthcare
erry Upham became a Healthcare Partner in September 2014 and bought an existing portfolio in the
Basildon area. Terry spent many years working in the City and took on a Healthcare Practice franchise so that he could change his pace of life and take on a new challenge. By December 2014, Terry had recruited the help of his daughter Gemma as an Account Manager to assist him with his business. Gemma fits her Healthcare Practice career around looking after her young son. Terry takes up the story…
Why did you decide to go into business with a family member? Who better to understand my values and approach to life than someone who has spent their whole life with me ?
How do you divide the work? In what ways do you individually bring strengths to the business? We each take primary roles in our networking meetings, supporting each other at showcase meetings and subbing in when one is unable to attend. Our age, gender and personality differences mean we have quite a broad spectrum of experience and we share our thoughts and ideas with each other regularly. Although we are individually the first point of call for our clients we always
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Gemma Upham with dad Terry
stress the family nature of our business and let the customers know they can talk to either of us with confidence.
What are the benefits of working with a family member? Trust in each other to take ownership of the business and recognise that we are building a lifestyle business that we can run for many years.
What was the recruitment process and initial training and support like? Outstanding! From the initial open day, through the purchase negotiations and qualifying to be a partner/account manager the support from head office and regional managers has been second to none. It gives you real confidence in the brand to see how proud everyone is to represent WPA and how welcoming they are to new partners. WPA continue to treat us very well, always there to help and guide, particularly through the global pandemic.
Have you been able to strike a work- life balance by working together? How has your life changed? Certainly! One of the reasons for me leaving the City was to spend more time with the family and the arrival of two grandchildren and being there to see them grow up has been priceless.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a franchise? Choose something you believe in. I consider that our combination of benefits and customer service makes us the best available option for those considering a healthcare scheme, so I can go out each day with enthusiasm and pride in what we offer.
What are your plans for the future We will continue to grow the business and over time I expect the dynamic to change with Gemma taking the front seat and myself in a supporting role (although that’s a few years off yet!).
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