A business that fits with family life? That’s music to our ears!
Time for a change
Leeds-based Katy Bickerdyke had enjoyed a career in sales, and since 2014 had been juggling work with life as mum to a young family.
With the arrival of her second child in the summer of 2018, Katy was certain that it was time for a change of job. It was Katy’s mother who suggested that a franchise could provide a working life that would fit around a family routine.
In researching franchising Katy learned about The National Franchise Exhibition that was taking place at the NEC – the very next day! She comments:
“I could see that there were going to be some family-friendly franchises present, so I just got up the next morning, popped my three-month-old in the car and headed over!”
Essential research
On her way to the exhibition stand of a brand she’d already researched, Katy spotted Boogie Beat Music & Movement. She got into conversation with Nicky Attwood, the company’s co-founder, and learned all about the brand’s dance and story-telling classes and workshops, and how the franchise operated. Katy comments:
“I knew very quickly that this was a proposition I should give serious consideration to. I found Nicky to be so refreshing and friendly, and she clearly understood the importance of a work-life balance for parents like me.”
“I also had the chance to talk to Lisa Langford, the other founder of the company, and I was impressed that the people who’d started the company were present on the stand – I feel it reflected their passion for and continued involvement in the business.”
“It was also extremely useful being able to chat with two of their existing franchisees who were there – it gave me a real feel for the business and what it was like being a franchisee with them.”
After the exhibition, Katy continued her research, keeping other franchise brands in mind, but Boogie Beat was the clear front runner.
“There were other businesses in the same field that also appealed, but I think part of the reason I was so drawn to Boogie Beat was that I felt I would get the support I personally needed – there was a very nurturing approach to the franchisees and I felt I needed that bit extra encouragement and help at this stage in my life.”
Next steps
After further discussions with Nicky and attending a Boogie Beat class in Blackpool, Katy decided this would be the right business for her. She was, however, only partway through her maternity leave so held fire on signing the franchise agreement until June 2019.
“Nicky was excellent at staying in touch with me while I was on maternity leave and, even before any contracts had been signed or financials put in place, she would share new training and materials with me.”
Having signed on the dotted line for a territory covering east Leeds, in July Katy benefited from two days of “intensive but really fun” training down in Cheddar, Somerset, which covered lesson plans and classes, as well as the business side of operations.
This was complemented by access to Boogie Beat’s bespoke online hub where franchisees can access training videos and the music used in sessions.
“The training and support are ongoing, with new training videos and regular catch up calls. I’ve just come back from a one-day motivational course in Cheddar which was absolutely brilliant – so inspirational! It was also a great opportunity to spend time with all the other franchisees.”
Life as a Boogie Beat franchisee
Katy has been able to manage the launch of her business on her own terms, choosing to run just a couple of pop-up classes in the busy school summer holidays. Now it’s September, she is starting up regular classes in areas including Garforth, Rothwell and Colton.
“A franchise with Boogie Beat has provided just what I need. I can set up my work to suit my family life, and I’ve had my hand held enough but I’m not being stifled. Nicky and Lisa have created just the right balance – they’re not your boss, but they are there for you when you need them.”
“The business is still run with a personal approach, and Nicky and Lisa are not just open to ideas, they positively encourage and seek feedback. They live and breathe what they do.”
“The franchisee network is also a fantastic asset – because we have our own territories, we’re not in competition with each other and everyone shares advice on how to grow your business and people even share photos and videos. The franchisees have just as much passion and enthusiasm for the business as Nicky and Lisa!”
“I feel very fortunate to be part of a group of super-inspiring, open and friendly people, and I look forward to building up my business at my own pace and to seeing what the future holds!”
If you would like to find out more about a franchise with Boogie Beat Music & Movement, come and meet them at Birmingham’s NEC on 4 and 5 October 2019 at The National Franchise Exhibition.
You’ll also find more than a hundred other bfa-accredited brands, and a goldmine of specialist insights and practical advice. Register FREE here, today.
