Show you care and it could pay

By: Linda Whitney

HE care sector is thriving, despite the recession. If you have the right blend of empathy and business nous, it could suit you, and you can choose from plenty of care sector franchises.

‘The sector is virtually recession-proof. The last thing families want to cut is care for relatives,’ says Trevor Brocklebank, of the Home Instead senior care franchise.

Home Instead, which has opened 20 offices in the past 18 months, looks for franchisees who combine business skills with a commitment to care.

‘You need to be able to run a potentially large business, but also be committed to helping the most vulnerable,’ says Mr Brocklebank, who started the business after being disappointed by the care his father received.

The investment is £29,750, plus VAT — unlike most franchisees, those in the care sector cannot claim back VAT.

Many franchises provide care not only to older people, but also to children, the disabled and the chronically or terminally ill.

‘We took a quadriplegic client on T the London Eye last summer,’ says Paul Tarsey, of Bluebird Care.

Bluebird and other care providers are gaining new clients as a result of the decision to provide people with direct payments — cash to buy their care services themselves.

‘As clients have more choice, we put a big emphasis on local marketing,’ says Mr Tarsey. Franchisees in this sector should be prepared to network and make presentations to local groups in order to gain new customers.

Be ready for competition for these franchises. The Bluebird franchise which costs £25,000, receives four to six applications from potential franchisees a week.

The care sector is highly regulated, so it makes sense to get into it with the help of a franchisor.

All providers must register with the Commission for Social Care and Inspection. National induction standards apply to caregivers, and all must take National Vocational Qualifications.

‘This is a good time to get into the care sector because next April, many local authorities are opening up their lists of approved providers to new applicant companies,’ says Paul Manley, of Everycare.

‘If you get your franchise onto your local authority list, your – business details will be forwarded automatically to many potential customers.’ Call your local authority and check if they are opening their list next year.

Everycare franchisees provide care-givers to local authorities, care homes and individuals, but also offer nursing staff to hospitals, residential homes and individuals.

Investment is £25,000.

It may be best to go into business with a partner or take on staff from the start so as to divide up the various tasks efficiently.

‘We look for management franchisees with business skills and expect them to do lots of marketing presentations in order to gain new clients,’ says Emma Parker, of the Caremark franchise.

Caremark is looking for new franchisees with £29,500 and working capital to invest.

Bluebird Care: 01730 260026; Caremark: 01798 873770; Everycare: 02920 455300; Home Instead: 01244 852693.

‘WE ARE A LIFELINE FOR OUR CLIENTS’

‘WE HAVE clients who live alone and our carer may be the only person they see. They are so grateful and it is very rewarding to know you are providing their lifeline,’ says Caron Oldreive, with business partner Cheryl Hawksworth. They run SureCare Doncaster, and with their team of 42 staff they provide care to 44 people, ranging from some requiring 100 hours a week to others who need three hours a day.

Caron and Cheryl, both 35, came from a care management background and started the franchise business three years ago.

‘I look after the care side, doing client assessments, care plans and reviews, staff recruitment, appraisals and training, quality assurance and customer care,’ says Caron. Cheryl deals with finances and coordination of care hours.

‘We could not have started the business without help from a franchisor,’ says Caron.

‘SureCare provides help, including business support from an area support manager when we need it, and has helped us with two tenders for contracted local work.

‘Running a care business is a big responsibility, because, legally and morally, the buck stops with us.

‘But it is a growing business and all the hard work is worth it when families call or send cards to thank you for the care you have provided to their relatives.’ SureCare: 01244 321199