WOMEN IN FRANCHISING
franchisee of the centre decided to retire and this time, Mel knew she couldn’t miss her chance again. Mel and Jose, along with their
business partner, Alan White, purchased the centre. Mel comments on taking ownership: “I was the driving force behind wanting to buy the franchise in 2018. I knew I’d missed out on the earlier opportunity. I wish I had been braver back then, knowing what I know now, franchising could have helped me create a positive work-life balance but the timing just didn’t feel right.” During her time with FASTSIGNS, Mel
has focussed on nurturing relationships in her local area, helping business owners achieve their signage requirements and her natural exuberant personality has helped her to make lasting connections. Mel comments: “When I was just an employee of the centre, I loved my job and I loved helping businesses, but now it’s personal and I’m glad I was able to put the groundwork into developing relationships with my customers. We still deal with some of the businesses I worked with almost a quarter of a century ago! I must have done something right!” Mel has found stepping into
ownership has been liberating. “When I worked in the centre, I had so many ideas for how I would do things, of course, I had to get permission from the franchisee”, Mel reflects. “Now I have the confidence of my convictions and I can press ahead with the changes I want to implement.” One of Mel’s goals is to increase the
turnover of her business and increase its positioning in the network league tables, to do this she has invested in the marketing of her business and is already reaping the rewards. In 2023, Mel has helped her centre sales grow by 30% and is regularly exceeding sales targets month on month. She concludes: “As each month closes, we’re immensely proud of what we achieve, and as we see those sales figures rise, it’s addictive! All the work is for us, our life, our future – I’m so glad I made the move to become a franchisee – It’s my best decision yet!”
fsfastsigns.co.uk BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 29
There's few people in the industry that don't already know and admire Home Instead's Ruth Brown! A true inspiration for women in franchising
P
assionate about franchising, Ruth is forthcoming when it comes
to giving support and advice to fellow franchisors, as well as helping to promote the opportunity to those looking to start their own business. This passion and commitment saw Ruth named as EWiF’s Ambassador of the Year 2023. Having joined Home Instead
in 2010, Ruth was appointed as Home Instead UK’s COO in 2022. An advocate of ethical franchising, Ruth is passionate about the sector’s ability to transform people’s lives and her leadership has seen the Home Instead franchise network grow from strength to strength. Playing a part in the
recruitment and support of over 300 individual franchisees, Ruth is also instrumental in educating and empowering individuals, to start their own business. Bringing and supporting new people and especially women into the sector, Ruth provides encouragement for women-led franchise partnerships such as mother-and-daughter; aunt-and-niece; and sisters, as well as women setting out on their own.
Ruth has also mentored her
franchise development team, with many women in senior positions. Supporting their growth and development, Ruth has also encouraged and put her team
through to become BFA QFP qualified, further solidifying their expertise and knowledge. This mentorship led Home Instead to be presented with the BFA HSBC Leadership and Culture award in 2022, celebrating the commitment to caring for the development, wellbeing and success of everyone within the organisation including the teams in their local franchise offices. Ruth says: “I’m incredibly proud
of the Home Instead network and I’m passionate about empowering those around me to grow and achieve. Our franchisees have collectively maintained Home Instead’s high quality of care over many years and adapted so effectively as the brand has innovated. They will continue to help Home Instead go from strength to strength.” l
homeinstead.co.uk/franchise
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