Start a brighter life that suits you
AFRANCHISE can allow you to run a business to suit your lifestyle, as Julie Bramah found out.
Julie, 47, worked for investment bank J.P. Morgan for 21 years in project management, running a team and travelling abroad, before changing career and becoming an image consultant for House of Colour.
She explains: ‘One day I went to a House of Colour class, where you are helped to find clothing in shades to suit your colouring, body shape and personality.
‘I was told I suited bright, cool, winter colours. Wearing these, I gained confidence in a different way and felt alive, happy and vibrant — and realised that I wanted a better life-work balance.’
So Julie, who lives in Bournemouth in Dorset, decided to start her own business.
She chose a House of Colour franchise because she could work part-time and the investment was also affordable.
‘I run classes during the week, at weekends or in the evenings, and work about ten days a month,’ she says.
‘I also do talks and attend networking events, but now I have a better lifestyle and also the satisfaction of helping people to develop their own personal brand.’
House of Colour is looking for another 25 new franchisees in the next year.
Helen Venables, House of Colour managing director, says: ‘ Our franchisees are ambitious, but want a good work-life balance. We hold discovery days to explain the business as well as the intensive training and marketing development help that they will receive.’
The franchise costs £8,225, but the cost can be spread over three payments to ease the financial burden.
Another franchise that can be run on a part-time basis is Techclean. It involves cleaning office equipment including laptops, PCs, printers, photocopiers and telephones.
Nigel Toplis, Techclean managing director, says: ‘This could be a standalone business, or an add- on for business services companies.
‘It suits good communicators with an aptitude for sales and marketing.’
The franchise costs £19,500. HOUSE of Colour: 01923 211 188, Techclean 01530 513 300.