The caring business is not just about profits
A CArE sector franchise combines business with giving something back to others less fortunate.
Amrit Dhaliwal, 26, is the SureCare oxfordshire franchisee providing care in clients’ homes.
‘I have lots of business experience, but the care sector is different,’ he says. ‘You can make a living, but you also gain the fulfilment that comes from improving people’s lives.’
Though Amrit has 15 care staff, he still provides care himself. ‘Having the time to spend with customers is vital. My client Colin Coleman, for instance, loves Scrabble and I make time to have a game with him after I’ve given him his shower and breakfast.’
Getting into care with a franchise is easier than starting up alone, says Amrit. ‘ I had no care background, so the franchise helped me get set up.
‘Support is there if I need help with compliance issues and paperwork. That frees up time to focus on quality care.’
Vikki Donnachie, franchise sales manager for SureCare, says: ‘our franchisees must want to make a difference within care, but they also have to be entrepreneurial.’
The investment is £28,000 plus working capital.
Home Care franchise right At Home is looking for franchisees for Scotland and Northern Ireland. uK managing director Ken Deary says: ‘You don’t need any previous care sector experience as each office recruits a registered care manager.
‘But while you will be running a business, you must be willing to put care standards before profit.’
Investment is £80,000 to £100,000.
Claire Collins, franchise recruitment manager at Caremark, says: ‘A homecare business is not for the faint- hearted as it is a challenging and highly regulated sector. It is all about people, but you must also be business-minded.’ The investment is £32,950. Tim Cocking, founder of £ 19,000 franchise Bright Care, says: ‘A franchisor should teach its franchisees how to navigate the regulatory process in order to enhance client services.’