Mum’s the word for a role with family-friendly hours
MOTHERS now account for one in seven self-employed workers in the UK.
The number has doubled since 2008 to reach 594,000, reports Kingston University and the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE).
Helen Bell, who has a Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchise in Sheffield, says: ‘I run a thriving theatre school while being a mum with a six-month-old son.’
Helen, 29, has 406 students — and a six-figure turnover. Starting a family prompted her to expand the business.
‘We started a new class, I engaged an assistant, got dedicated office space and increased staff hours to prepare for maternity leave. It can be tricky juggling a newborn with work, but now I have the staff and business set up, so I need not go back full-time yet, though I still enjoy financial freedom.’
Denise Hutton-Gosney, managing director of Razzamataz, which is a member of EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising), says: ‘Around 90 per cent of our franchisees are female and we love it that they can juggle a financially rewarding career with a family.’ The franchise investment is £7,995. Jenny Anderson chose selfemployment as a WPA Healthcare Partner when she wanted to work flexibly. ‘I had been a business account manager, so becoming a franchisee means I still enjoy customer interaction, but have the flexibility I wanted as a mum,’ says Jenny, 46, from York.
‘I can fit the tasks around my lifestyle. With WPA, your income is based on levels of customer service, customer retention and business growth.
‘With a franchise, you start with a known brand and you are not alone — WPA franchisees get together at conferences and local meetings, and you can always call head office for help and advice.’
Mark Southern, chief executive of the WPA Healthcare Practice, says: ‘We have some very successful women franchisees who value the flexibility and support that allows them to build a successful business around their lifestyle.’
The investment is £9,200, plus a £2,500 fidelity bond.