Why it pays to make your business a family affair
A FRANCHISE can be a great way to start a family business. John Flye runs the ServiceMaster Clean franchisee in Doncaster, with wife Jacqueline and son Tom.
John, 63, says: ‘We have had the business for 30 years and the big highlight has been able to work with Tom.’
Tom, now 33, joined the family cleaning and restoration services business as an employee 15 years ago, after working in retail.
John says: ‘Initially I don’t think Tom saw it as a long-term option, but I could soon see he had a head for business and a special way with our customers.
‘He now runs the franchise with us, and brings in a lot of business. It’s wonderful to think that our business will continue into a second generation.’
John says the family all works well together, but cautions: ‘I have seen other family businesses have a detrimental effect on family relationships. So before you start a family business, discuss it thoroughly and ensure you all have the same business goals.’
Angus Dodds, head of restoration services at ServiceMaster, says: ‘ There is strength in a family working together towards the same collective goals, supporting each other and bringing their individual skills to the table, with a trust that goes beyond business.’
ServiceMaster Clean franchises cost from £23,500.
Jennifer Jones, 37, the Sutton, Surrey, franchisee of children’s performing arts school Stagecoach, also worked with her family. She says: ‘I worked as a teacher for my sister Rachel Crouch when she owned the Sutton franchise.
‘After years of working closely together, Rachel sold me the franchise. We share staff, marketing materials, costumes, and ideas. We add to each other’s success, and work well as a team. Jealousy and rivalry are not in our vocabulary.’
Rachel says: ‘I was happy to sell my Sutton franchise to Jennifer. Though she had concentrated on teaching, I wouldn’t have been half as successful without her support.’ The Stagecoach franchise fee is £14,995.