If you’re facing redundancy, get ahead as your own boss
after he had been hit by redundancy for the third time, Duncan smith decided he’d had more than enough.
‘each time I was made redundant, if felt as though my career was finally over. after the last time, I decided to set up in business for myself,’ says Duncan, 46, from Kirklees, West Yorkshire.
‘ the care sector provided an opportunity and caring was in my blood because my grandfather was a doctor,’ says Duncan.
after doing some research, he became a Caremark franchisee and now employs a care manager, a co-ordinator and 22 carers.
Duncan says: ‘What attracted me was that the franchise offered a proven formula and the support from the franchisor and other franchisees, which helped get my business off the ground.’
David glover, franchise recruitment manager at Caremark, says: ‘We have found redundancy sharpens people’s focus and makes them hungry for security and success. We welcome that, combined with a genuine concern to deliver high-quality care.’
the Caremark franchise requires an investment of £32,950.
redundancy can also be a chance to change career. george griffiths, 65, from Bury st edmunds, says: ‘after two redundancies, I decided to start my own business with a Driver hire recruitment franchise. I’d been an accountant in motor and healthcare organisations, so my communication, commercial and financial skills transferred well to Driver hire, as it’s a management franchise.’ Investment is £30,000.
Jan and Phil King were inspired by their dog to set up a business after redundancy.
‘our experience with our border collie Banjo led us to become franchisees with Barking Mad, finding host families for dogs as an alternative to kennels,’ says Phil, 55, from Congleton, Cheshire. ‘It does take time to get used to not getting a pay cheque each month, but the franchisor is very supportive and we love making the dogs, owners and hosts happy.’
Barking Mad managing director Lee Dancy says: ‘People who have been made redundant bring life experience, skills and the determination to make their business succeed.’ Investment is £15,110.