Run a business and be there for your children
A FRANCHISE can be the answer for women who want the flexibility of self-employment with the security of support from an established business. The number of women franchisees has risen in the past decade, from 20 per cent in 2005 to 30 per cent today, but franchisors are keen to recruit more.
Lorraine Thomson, 50, chose transport recruitment franchise Driver Hire when she wanted to combine a business with raising her son, Thomas.
Lorraine, Driver Hire franchisee for Oxford, says: ‘I had experience as a transport clerk and in sales, so I chose the Driver Hire franchise and started the business when my son was nearly two.
‘By then I was a single parent, so with the help of my mother, an au pair and Driver Hire’s support I got up and running. The business offered flexibility, so I could spend time with Thomas.’
Lorraine adds that being female can be an advantage. ‘I find the transport managers welcome a woman’s voice in what is pretty much a man’s world. I also think that, in recruitment, women do perhaps pay greater attention to detail,’ she laughs.
She has been running the franchise for 20 years and Thomas, now 22, also works for the business. She advises other women considering setting up in business with a franchise to ‘make sure you have the right support at home, as running a family home, looking after children and running a business is hard work.’
Driver Hire recently launched a new set of training modules which franchisees can offer. Investment in the franchise is from £12,000.
Many women like the fact that franchises offer ongoing support, not just from the franchisor but also from the franchisee network.
Tracy Andrews, co-owner of the Signarama UK South Birmingham franchise with husband Jeremy, had years of experience running her own business but was new to the signs sector.
She says: ‘It’s been a steep learning curve at times, but we always know we can call on the Signarama franchise team for help. We are also part of a large network of franchise owners who help each other out or work together to deliver on national contracts.’
The £29,500 investment includes two weeks’ training in Florida.
Driver Hire 01274 361 073, Signarama 07793 054233.