Meeting needs on the home front
HOME care is a growing business and franchises offer a good way in. Keith Hume, a former manager in manufacturing, chose the SureCare care and home services franchise.
Keith, 53, says: ‘A franchise allowed me to tap into the experience of an established provider.’
He runs the SureCare franchise in Waterloo, Merseyside. He adds: ‘I was attracted by the quality of the company’s induction programme, ongoing franchise support and development and proven brand.
‘After a year I have been able to recruit staff — impossible if I had set up the business on my own.’
Gary Farrer, managing director of SureCare, says: ‘The biggest reason people become SureCare franchisees is the experienced management team they work with to grow their business.’ A micro-franchise is £8,995 and regional franchises start at £32,000.
The care sector is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and franchisors help franchisees meet its compliance requirements.
David Baxter, Right at Home franchisee for Tyneside, says: ‘Right at Home sent in an audit team before our CQC inspection. We were able to work with them to improve operational areas and this resulted in obtaining a “good” rating from the CQC.’
Right at Home recently launched a City & Guilds accredited Care Certificate to ensure all caregivers employed by its franchisees are trained to meet new CQC rules. Investment is £32,000.
Healthcare franchises are about more than management with an ethical slant.
Michelle Fenwick, director of homecare business Heritage Healthcare, says: ‘Franchisees’ main role is to market and develop the business from the beginning.’ Investment is £90,000.
Surecare, 01244 321199; right at Home, 01772 615227; Heritage Healthcare, 01325 370707.