It’s not just money, it’s being in control
FOR WOMEN, starting a business is often about more than money.
Former podiatrist Joanna Butler and her husband, Mark, decided to become franchisees with Tutor Doctor, which matches families to local tutors, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.
Joanna, 48, says: ‘After the diagnosis and initial treatment, Mark and I reassessed our priorities and wanted to have more control in our lives.
‘Tutor Doctor is my way of empowering myself, and making a positive impact. We cooperate with councils, helping children who aren’t able to be in school and can’t always be tutored at home.
‘We also work with special needs schools.’
Three years after launching, Joanna and Mark were named Tutor Doctor global franchisees of the year.
Tim Morris, Tutor Doctor UK country manager, says: ‘We look for motivated, peopleoriented individuals. New franchisees are trained in Canada and online and get a jumpstart programme and ongoing support.’
You can get started for £29,700. And don’t be deterred from investing in franchises in traditionally ‘ male’ sectors, either.
Tracy Clark, 54, is the Milton Keynes franchisee with the specialist signage company, Signarama.
She says: ‘I’ve never found being a woman is a barrier. There’s nothing about the male brain that means they know about technical issues naturally.’
Signarama’s franchisees don’t require experience, but need to be able to manage staff and build customer relationships. Training in Florida is included in the £35,000 investment.
Tutor Doctor, 0800 011 9729; Signarama, 0208 930 9047.