A growing sector provides a rewarding opportunity to become your own boss with a franchise

It’s a well-known fact that the UK population is ageing. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in every five people in 2018 (18.3%) were 65 and over, and this is set to increase to one in four people by 2042.[1]

This is fuelling a growing demand for services in the home and community to support the elderly and more vulnerable – a trend the franchise industry is rapidly responding to.

More and more franchise businesses are evolving to meet the needs of this demographic, providing the opportunity to own a business which has not only strong financial prospects, but also the chance to contribute positively to the local community.

Investing in a franchise which provides a service direct to the customer at home secures the franchisee a defined territory within which to operate, under the name and guidance of an established brand. Training and support is provided by the franchisor to launch and operate a thriving business.

Home care

According to the ONS, one in five men and women aged between 75 and 84 years have at least some problems washing or dressing. This rises to 34% of men and 42% of women at ages 85 years and over[2].

Providing care services to people in their home is therefore crucial to helping them remain independent. Home visits are made by trained staff who can help with personal tasks like dressing, meals, as well as companionship and even specialist medical care.

Krish Nair had pursued a career in IT but admits his heart was never really in it, plus he’d always wanted to run his own business.

As 2018 arrived, Krish was determined that this was the year he would become his own boss. By this point, he had some direct experience with the care sector, as two close family members had needed support due to serious illness. In addition, he was working on a project for Transport for London which provided free door-to-door transport for the elderly and the disabled. Krish comments:

“All of a sudden the dots began to join, and I felt a calling to the care sector. I realised what a rewarding field care could be, and I could see that a franchise in this area would allow me to run a business that I would really enjoy and could see myself running for many years to come.”

Krish got the keys of the office of his Right At Home franchise in Enfield in North London at the end of 2018. He comments:

“While my main responsibility is to lead and manage my business, I’m pursuing the training and qualifications to become a registered carer myself. I feel it will not only allow me to provide on-the-ground care when the need arises, but it will also make me a better manager of my staff, because I will understand and have experience of providing the service I expect them to deliver.”

“In spite of all the hard work I am putting in, being my own boss allows me the flexibility I need to have time with my wife and young son.”

Further support for an ageing population

Businesses serving the needs of the growing ageing population extend beyond home care.

With sustainability one of its core values, a franchise which can help people remain independent and healthy in their own homes is Wiltshire Farm Foods. The national brand offers more than 300 delicious frozen meals and desserts, prepared by award-winning chefs and delivered nationwide.

Franchisees have responsibility for a unique territory and provide a frontline service, having face-to-face contact with their customers as they deliver the meals that have been ordered. A network of 80 Wiltshire Farm Foods franchise partners already exists and Andy Turner, Head of Franchise Recruitment & Mobilisation, comments:

“We serve one of the fastest growing demographics in the UK and have a clear commitment to growing our already strong network of franchise partners.”

Another franchise which embeds the franchisee within their local community is Driving Miss Daisy, a business which provides a trusted, safe and reliable companion and driving service for those people who find it difficult to get out and about.

The company prides itself on the companionship and assistance they give with every journey and cites a growing demand for their services with the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

A franchise with Driving Miss Daisy offers low start-up costs and is home-based, providing lots of flexibility and the chance to become a useful and known member of your local community.

A franchise in a burgeoning sector

No matter what the sector or business type, a franchise provides a proven blueprint for launch, operation and success.

Krish of Right At Home summarises what franchising has done for him, and could do for you!

“Without franchising I would not be able to do what I do today. That’s the beauty of franchising, though. You can jump sector and have a business in an area that you are passionate about but perhaps have no experience in, because all the foundations are in place for you.”

Want to find out more?

You can meet the brands mentioned in this article and more at The Franchise Exhibitions.

At The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, on 4 & 5 October 2019, you can meet these specific brands providing home care services and support:

• Caremark
• Home Care Preferred
• Home Instead Senior Care
• KarePlus
• Right At Home
• Visiting Angels
• Driving Miss Daisy
• Wiltshire Farm Foods

The event is held in exclusive association with the British Franchise Association (bfa) and you can book your free tickets today.