From Accountancy and Insurance to Care Franchising: The Inspiring Journey of Two Brothers

In 2021, The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, was abuzz with businesses looking for promising franchisees. Amid the bustling event were two brothers, Paul and Danny Taherian. In many ways, they were just like so many others who were interested in joining a franchise – they wanted to build their own successful and rewarding business. However, the brothers stood out from the crowd in that they wanted a new career which was completely different from anything they had experienced before. Paul and Danny, intrigued by the vision and values of the franchise opportunity, felt that their desire to create a real difference in their community would be a good match with Sylvian Care. 

Even though the Sylvian Care franchise has proven appealing to people from all walks of life, the brothers didn’t fit the typical profile of those interested in a care franchise, coming from backgrounds in accountancy and insurance. Initially, they had been thinking about setting up an import business. However, the Sylvian Care franchise stand at the exhibition inspired them to take their first steps towards something new and wonderful. “Consequently, we shifted our focus to franchising, which we believed would present a lower risk of failure and be a safer choice.”

Paul and Danny benefited greatly from the face-to-face interactions with the franchisors, industry experts and CEOs at the exhibition. “It led to more in-depth discussions that are often not possible through online research or via phone.” They were able to compare a wide range of franchises side by side across various industries, providing a broader perspective on available opportunities.

Paul, an experienced accountant who once worked in procurement for McLaren, and Danny, who hailed from the insurance sector, were touched by Sylvian Care’s commitment to providing relationship-centric care, one that focused on building genuine connections with clients. Following their instincts, they opened Sylvian Care Woking franchise and obtained registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June 2022. What followed was a remarkable journey of commitment, compassion and entrepreneurial spirit. 

In just seven months of trading, they managed to achieve break-even on their investment. They currently support 27 clients, providing them with the care and compassion they need to lead fulfilling lives at home, making an essential contribution in an environment where the demand for their services increases year by year.

Their projected annualised turnover two years on from receiving their CQC registration is an impressive £773,000. While the numbers are remarkable, they only tell a part of the story. The real triumph lies in the difference they are making to the lives of their clients and their families, embodying Sylvian Care’s vision of providing a nurturing, environment for the elderly.

The brothers’ journey is testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication and the right franchise support system. They have succeeded in building a thriving business that is also a beacon of hope and support in their community. The brothers recall how a quote from their father really stuck with them. “Our dad would tell us – what good is a man who doesn’t better the world around him? It was something that we wanted to factor into our running of a business. We were motivated to make sure we were helping those who weren’t as fortunate,” says Paul. 

Paul stresses that one crucial piece of advice for anyone considering franchising is to conduct thorough due diligence. This involves researching the franchise brand, understanding its business model and evaluating the experiences of current and former franchisees. “By gathering comprehensive information and understanding both the opportunities and potential risks, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and personal aspirations.”

For his part, Danny urges potential franchisees to ask what kind of support and training franchisors provide during the initial setup and ongoing operations. “It’s vital because it helps you understand the level of assistance you can expect from the franchisor, including training programmes, marketing support, operational guidance and resources for overcoming challenges. It’s essential to gauge how committed the franchisor is to helping you thrive. We successfully established our home care business in just two years, thanks to the exceptional support and training provided by Sylvian Care.”

The brother’s success story is a great example of the life-changing opportunities offered by The Franchise Exhibitions. Interested in following in his footsteps? Find out more about upcoming events and book your free tickets today!