Making work and family life add up
IF YOU want to start a flexible or part-time business, a franchise or business opportunity can be a way in.
Belinda Whitaker became a Rosemary Bookkeeping franchisee seven years ago after her full-time job in accounts left too little time for her family.
‘I already had the bookkeeping skills, but Rosemary head office gave me great support in starting and running my business,’ says Belinda, 39, from Chippenham, Wiltshire.
‘I work from home and can pick the children up from school and take them to appointments. Now they are older, I am expanding the business.’
She advises others thinking of a part-time or flexible franchise: ‘Consider whether you can put in the hours and can survive financially on a part-time income. Ensure you have your family’s support.’
Lisa Curteis, recruitment director at Rosemary Bookkeeping, says: ‘We want businessminded people who understanding numbers, with people skills and who can delegate.’
It costs £8,970 to start a Rosemary Bookkeeping franchise if you already have bookkeeping experience; £16,970 without.
Freddy Henry, an office manager in a recording studio, turned her swing dancing hobby into a part-time business as a licensee with Swing-Train, teaching fitness classes based on vintage swing and jazz dance styles.
Freddy, 45, from London, says: ‘I had not taught before, so I was nervous, but you get a lot of support from SwingTrain and from other licensees.
‘You have to do a lot of marketing and leafleting at first, but now my initial students are bringing their friends, so the business is growing fast.’
SwingTrain founder Scott Cupit says: ‘Some of our licensees are fitness trainers, some high-level swing dancers, but others are just enthusiasts. All take a training day at £39 and then pay a monthly licence fee of £24.’
Rosemary Bookkeeping: 0345 8620072; SwingTrain: swingtrain.com/ become-a-trainer