When business is child’s play
A BUSINESS providing children’s services can be both a rewarding and profitable venture.
Ruth Morris, a franchisee with The Creation Station, runs children’s craft sessions in Aberdeen.
The 40-year-old says: ‘It’s inspiring to watch children learn to crawl,toddle, speak, play, make friends and explore creativity.
‘A child bringing me a daisy at the start of class still humbles me. They teach me daily how to listen more,speak less and laugh.’
Ruth, who runs up to 11 sessions a week, says: ‘It’s full-time, but I can take my daughter to and from school, get to events and help with school trips. I could never have been so flexible as an employee.’
She advises others who are considering taking on a children’s services franchise: ‘It combines day- to- day engagement with families and running a business.
‘Providing exceptional service,marketing continuously, building the brand, and establishing the classes as great value takes time and commitment.
‘I decided to start a business with a franchise because I did not have the experience and breadth of skills to launch and grow a successful creative business on my own.’
The Creation Station founder Sarah Cressall says: ‘Our ideal franchisee has a passion for nurturing creativity and inspiring others, while building a successful business, as Ruth has.’
The franchise package starts at £ 6, 500 and includes classes,parties, and events as well as adult crafting workshops and retail craft supplies.
Another franchise for people who want to work with children is the Tutor Doctor. Alex Scotchbrook,49, a franchisee in West Surrey,matches families with tutors.
She says: ‘I was an executive coach before I discovered Tutor Doctor. We have helped over 20,000 children to get good exam results,believe in themselves and become more confident.
‘ It’s rewarding to make difference to the lives of children and families.’
Tim Morris, Tutor Doctor’s UK country manager, says: ‘ Our franchisees work with families to assess a child’s needs, personality and learning style, then recruit high- quality, self- employed home tutors for them.
‘We are looking for motivated,people-oriented franchisees.’ Tutor Doctor franchises cost £29,700. The Creation Station, 01395 239 700; Tutor Doctor, 0208 1333 525.