Management skills that deliver a caring service
IF EXpERIENCE of home care services makes you think you could do better, a franchise may help you do it.
Swati Bagwe, 36, and Shipra Mehta, 38, set up a home care business as franchisees with Caremark last year.
Shipra, an ex-teacher who has also worked in insurance and for the NHS, says: ‘ Having ageing parents and seeing their need for care inspired me to do my bit.’
Swati, a clinical engineering graduate and former medical insurance underwriter, adds: ‘My father’s struggle with memory has been a worry. We decided to do something for others with similar conditions.
‘We chose a Caremark franchise because it is a reputable company which will enable us to deliver a professional, friendly, caring service.’ Shipra and Swati launched their business in Richmondupon-Thames, and have recently won an award.
Caremark looks for franchisees who have good communication and management skills, and around £30,000 to invest. The package includes training, software and support.
Andy McNiven, a former golf pro and country club manager, who is now mid- Sussex franchisee with home care provider Right At Home, says: ‘ Buying a franchise changed my life. For years I ran other people’s businesses, without the rewards. Now if I want to train people, I can.’
The franchisor’s support was crucial. He says: ‘If left to my own devices, I wouldn’t have known where to start.’
Right At Home’s franchise needs an investment starting at £31,995.