The smart way to be your own boss
WOMEN account for 23 per cent of UK franchise owners, according to the campaign group Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF).
So what’s the attraction? ‘I’m not a natural risk- taker,’ says Sally Miles, who owns a Pitman Training Centre franchise in Canterbury.
‘So when I wanted my own business after 20 years in senior management, I looked for a franchise. Starting out alone seemed too big a leap.’
Sally, 42, adds: ‘If you want to be your own boss, but do not have a unique business idea, then a tried-and-tested franchise is a good option.
‘The franchise head office provides someone to turn to for advice, and they help you grow your business.’
Almost half of Pitman Training Centres are owned by women or have a woman directly involved in the business.
Nicola Haythorne, Pitman franchise sales manager, UK, says: ‘We’re delighted to have witnessed increased numbers of women across the industry recently.’
Fees for a Pitman Training Centre franchise start from £22,500.
Former corporate sales and marketing specialist Louie Clegg runs a local news website as part of a thebestof franchise.
‘I’d worked in big organisations with back-up always available, so I was attracted by the support thebestof offered,’ says Louie, from Litchfield in Staffordshire.
‘They helped me grow my business, and after six years I have an apprentice and virtual assistants.’
Rosie Palmer, head of franchise recruitment at thebestof, says: ‘You can work from home, and base your hours around school runs or gym sessions, while earning a steady income.’
Initial investment starts at £10,500.
Pitman Training 0808 167 7600; thebestof 0121765 5556, ewif.org.