Business can be flexible (Daily Mail franchise story)

posted on 23-Mar-2009

Business can be a flexible friend


Daily Mail

By: Linda Whitney

YOU NEED more money, but you want to work round the family? The solution could be to invest in a franchise.

'Women don't like taking unnecessary risks in business, so a franchise makes a good way in for them,' says business mentor Emma Wimhurst.

'With a franchise, you can research whether its formula works, you get support from the franchisor and become part of a team. Women thrive in that kind of environment.' Franchisors say the economic situation is encouraging more women to apply for franchises.

'In the past month, more women have been applying to be franchisees with us because they see working for themselves as more secure,' says David Hunt of the Tumble Tots franchises.

Tumble Tots franchisees run structured play activity sessions for young children at local venues. The investment is £13,000, plus a vehicle and working capital, and it can be fitted around childcare.

But do not imagine a franchise is like a pin-money job. Franchisors expect you to grow the business. Be realistic about the time you can devote to the business. As well as delivering your service, you must make time for paperwork, administration and marketing.

Cheryl Brown, of Kumon Educational, whose franchisees deliver after-school maths and English sessions, says: 'You must be prepared to market your service, so our regional managers will help.' Kumon costs just £400 to start, and you need no teaching experience.

Other franchises that use your experience of childcare include Monkey Music, which looks for people who enjoy working with babies, children and their carers to run music sessions. The investment is £9,500.

Yoga Bugs franchisees run children's yoga classes and parties.

Enthusiasm for yoga and businessbuilding is essential, and the £9,900 investment includes training.

Other franchises that particularly appeal to women include Animals At Home, where 80 per cent of franchisees are female. They arrange animal care, boarding and transport, and demand is growing so fast that another 20 franchisees are needed. Cost is £14,000.

The CNA Executive Search franchise allows you to get into recruitment while working from home.

Debbie Smith, of CNA, says: 'We are keen to get more women franchisees, because they are under-represented in this industry.' Job-changers can use their experience and connections to recruit into their former employment sector. Investment is £30,000.

If you are into fitness, many franchisors want to hear from you.

'Energie Fitness For Women is a franchise designed by women for women clients, and suits female franchisees,' says David Weir.

Investment, from £19,000, includes all you need to set up a gym.

If you are keen on fitness and nutrition, a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club franchise involves running sessions at local halls.

Investment is £23,000, which is reduced if you already have the right qualification.

Winners of the Franchise Marketing Awards

THE winners of the Franchise Marketing Awards include:

  • Wiltshire Farm Foods,
  • Tumble Tots,
  • Subway, 
  • McDonald's,
  • Dream Doors, 
  • WPA,
  • NBC Bird and Pest Solutions,
  • Travail
  • Snap-On.

 

CHRISSIE ROLLS

CHRISSIE ROLLS, 31, recently started her own business with the help of the Musical Minis franchise — and her mum.

Chrissie, seen here with her children, Logan and Amelia, trained as a classical opera singer. As a Musical Minis franchisee, she runs music groups designed to encourage cognitive, physical and emotional development in babies and toddlers.

'Music ended up as a hobby, and I was working in recruitment, hotels and retail, but I wanted to work for myself so I could see more of the children,' says Chrissie, from Swindon, Wiltshire.

'There is quite a bit of paperwork, preparing lessons and accounts,' says Chrissie. The £8,000 investment includes equipment and advertising and training.