Instead provides modest projections to prepare you. My business turned over more than £500,000 in my second year; I’m now in my third year, expecting to turn over more than £750,000.
Home Instead Senior Care LYNN ELLIOTT
Lynn came to Home Instead after 18 years with IBM. Spending three years in Dubai in her fi nal role with the company, Lynn felt the time was right to put her knowledge and experience towards something more meaningful. She was Northern Ireland’s fi rst Home Instead franchisee and her offi ce covers Down and Lisburn.
What did you do before franchising and what prompted you to make the change? I worked for a technology company in management roles. It was a keynote speech at a leadership conference that was a turning point. The keynote was about changing our views of the older generation. It was refreshing to hear someone talking about the value older people can add to society and how we should care for them differently. I’d already seen fi rst hand how positive
later life can be. My granny, Olive, came to live with us when she was 83 and she lived until she was the grand age of 103. She adapted so well to living in a new family environment and she lived positively. You have to ask what care you’d want
your own mum and dad to receive. The standards that Home Instead set are what I live by and agree with. When I made my fi rst phone call to Home Instead, I felt it was the right fi t for me and the right calibre of care company to invest in.
How was the initial training and support? The initial training is invaluable, as it covers every aspect of running a Home Instead
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How has life changed since you launched your franchise? Instead of travelling so much with work I’m fi nally based in my hometown, truly being part of my local community. As I own my business I can be more fl exible with my time, which is incredibly helpful when raising a family.
How have you found being a woman running her own business? In this industry generally, there are a lot of women working within the care sector; the majority of caregivers across the UK are female, as they seem to be more attracted to the role. I personally feel empowered as a leader, changing the way care is delivered in my area by helping people to remain independent in their own homes.
franchise. You’re introduced to everyone at national offi ce, who are all there to help you, and each department takes you through what you’ll be doing. Each franchisee is invited back at 90 days and 180 days for two two-day training courses, introducing you to the next steps for your business.
What training and support is available on an ongoing basis? The support changes and grows as you develop your business. You’re matched to a business support manager and a care support manager who come out and visit you, advising you on different areas. Home Instead has a team of 55 people at national offi ce, with different departments to support different operational aspects of the franchise. Their one role is to support their franchisees, and with 194 offi ces, it’s a really strong support ratio.
How has trading been? My offi ce was the fi rst to open in Northern Ireland, so I expected slow growth, however I was incredibly proud to beat projections for each year I’ve been trading. Home
What qualities do franchisees need to work within this sector and to be a successful franchisee? You don’t need a background in care to be a franchisee with Home Instead. It is a management franchise opportunity, but fi rst and foremost, Home Instead looks for people who share its culture and values, people who want to make a difference to older people’s lives. I would say drive, ambition and a positive attitude are qualities to make a successful franchisee, too.
What are your plans for the future? My plans are to continue to deliver high- quality care to as many older people in my community that want it. Home Instead has recently opened its second offi ce in Northern Ireland, so I’m really excited to have a new neighbour! Home Instead territories are based on postcode, so you’re never competing. It’s a very collaborative network and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with Una, the new franchisee.
Any other advice for aspiring franchisees? Be sure to do your research and speak to a number of different franchisors so you can get a feel for each business and decide which business fi ts best with you.
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