Dive in to a family friendly business
AFRANCHISE can offer parents flexible working arrangements. At Water Babies, which runs baby swimming classes, more than 90 per cent of its franchisees are women.
Many choose the franchise because it fits better around their family life.
Tamsin Brewis, 55, is the Water Babies franchisee for Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and she runs a swimming school for babies and children. Tamsin says: ‘Before I started Water Babies, I was forever commuting and away from home.
‘But I wanted more time with my family. The core values of Water Babies struck a chord with me — lessons are fun and progressive but safety-driven. I knew that high-quality baby swimming classes were rare and I felt I could make a positive impact for families.
‘I had a lot of natural skills that linked well with the business such as multi-tasking and communication. The franchise support structure gives you self-confidence.’
Tamsin advises other people thinking of starting a business with a franchise: ‘Play to your strengths. Get support from your franchisor. Follow the system and give it your all.’
Paul Thompson, group executive chairman of Water Babies, says: ‘Women are more in tune with the needs of our young families who sign up for lessons, and they often possess excellent communication skills and sensitivity.’ To invest in a Water Babies franchise costs £30,000.
Another franchise offering good flexibility is Cafe2U, a mobile coffee and snacks franchise.
Martyn Ward, national franchise recruitment manager at Cafe2U, says: ‘About 10pc of our franchisees are women. The franchise can be fitted around school runs, and the social aspect appeals to many women, as customers can become like friends.’ Angela Bakum, 41, who has a Cafe2U franchise in Merton, South-West London, says: ‘I thought I was not a risk taker but my enthusiasm for the coffee and customer service, plus the support of the franchise, mean it’s quite easy. I learned to drive to run the business. I’m out in all weathers and I put up our gazebo myself.’
The investment required is £26,650.
Water Babies 01404 548 348, Cafe2U 01132 320118
LINDA WHITNEY