Add a bit of drama to your business . . .

A FRANCHISE can be a route into self-employment for women. Rachel Bradshaw wanted to extend her drama teaching skills outside school, but still have time for her family.

‘So I chose to invest in a Little Voices franchise, which involves running music, drama and performing arts schools for children,’ says Rachel, 39, from Preston, Lancashire.

Three years on, she runs sessions in six venues and teaches 150 children a week, aided by nine staff.

‘I liked that the franchise was a tried-and-tested business concept, with all the systems in place,’ says Rachel. ‘It’s flexible and provides me with more money to spend on my children’s education and holidays. It’s hard work, but it has paid off.’ Little Voices founder Jane Maudsley says: ‘I see franchising as a community of collaboration. Women are renowned for working together to get things done.’

You can start a franchise with a £3,000 deposit (finance is available for the balance of £13,995).

Meanwhile, Tracy Clark, Milton Keynes franchisee with specialist signage company Signarama, says: ‘Being a woman was never a barrier. There’s nothing about the male brain that means they naturally know about technical issues.’

Signarama franchisees need no sign industry experience. The £35,000 investment includes training in Florida.