FRANCHISE SUCCESS STORIES


nisin os beause ee stone toete  te saed leanin te illinness to elp one anote   believe i you put time into people youll alays et tat ba ete its you team you lients o you pees in te neto”


another, that’s what makes this network special. If you put time into people, you’ll always get that back, whether it’s your team, your clients or your peers in the network. Networking allows us to share ideas, solve problems and lift each other up. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new. I’ve met so many incredible people through Home Instead and the wider franchising community – connections that inspire me every day.


How did it all start? My husband Mike and I wanted to open a business together, we explored lots of different sectors and business models. We kept returning to home care services. We didn’t ever want to fall foul of the regulations which apply in the sector and wanted to be the best provider of care. We knew that franchising was a ‘safe place’ where support is available within a proven model.


The importance of events and industry collaboration


C


ath continues to champion the importance of getting involved in industry events – such as The


Franchise Exhibitions at Olympia, London and NEC, Birmingham – presenting a chance to connect with aspiring owners and business professionals.


In her own words: For Cath, networking is more than just a business tool, it’s the foundation of everything that Home Instead stands for – a s she says: Franchising works because we’re stronger together. The collaboration, the shared learning, the willingness to help one


What is your career highlight? Too many to mention! Winning Franchisee of the Year, supporting the BFA & EFF board, gaining Outstanding Ratings from the CQC, supporting hundreds of people in the workplace but most of all delivering millions of hours of support to the people we've cared for and continue to serve.


Tell us a little about life outside franchising, what do you spend time on that your new life affords? Who or what inspires you? Spending time with the family, travelling to our favourite places, walking our two lively dogs and regular exercise. As for time away, that’s Portugal: it meets all our needs-family places, great food, lovely people, lots of sunshine (and the occasional Atlantic storm!), golf for Mike, swimming for me, great walks for us both.


My inspirations are my parents for


instilling a great work ethic, The Army Medical Services who became a second family, setting me on my career path, and


of course my husband and business partner for taking a calm view in challenging times and helping me to develop a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude. And now the franchise network family. I have a brother who is nine years


younger. When I did a paper round as a teenager, he always asked me where I was going, I told him I was Wonder Woman and went out to save the world every morning! Thankfully, I had left home and joined the army before he realised the truth! I like to think Wonder Woman was a good thing to aspire to: strong and principled, and values compassion, justice and love as much as powerful success.


What advice would you have for others considering a franchise? Take care choosing the right business for you, and be sure it is something you can be passionate about. Make sure you know your numbers from day one. Be prepared to work hard but also be prepared to allow yourself some down time, burn out is no-one’s friend. Take advice from trusted partners – your franchisor and their team, your fellow franchisees and of course the BFA. We never stop learning so don’t stop engaging with the people and groups who will support you. Be prepared to seek and celebrate success.


What legacy do you hope to leave behind? As a good family member, who puts family first but is also a professional businesswoman who sees the need to lead well, developing strong teams and serve our community by engaging with professional bodies such as the BFA. As Home Instead continues to grow,


Cath remains a leading example of how building connections can lead to lasting success, for individuals, communities and the entire franchise network.


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