In the current economic climate starting a business can seem like a risky proposition, especially if this is something that has not been done before. The benefits of franchising are that an existing business model with brand recognition already exists, and that support and guidance are offered. Those looking to the health care industry will be interested to hear about Bluebird care.
"Bluebird Care is the most experienced care franchisor in the UK with the Directors having many years care and franchise experience. People who want to set up their own business are frequently put off by the size of the task," said Laura Baggott, Bluebird Care's Franchise Recruitment Executive.
"With the experience we have, we not only help people through the start-up maze, but also enable them to develop a successful business in their own area once the office is set up. All our franchise owners enjoy not only the financial success, but also the opportunity to put something back into their community."
The company specialises in working with customers and their families, alongside Social Services, GPs and Primary Care Trusts. They also offer live-in care for people who would like, or who need, a greater level of care provision.
Lisa & Paul Tarsey set up the company in 2004, after over 20 years experience in the care sector. They were determined to deliver the sort of excellent care in people's homes that you would provide to your own relatives. Having proved all the business systems and procedures through the operation of a very successful pilot business, the business was launched as a franchise opportunity in 2006.
Paul states that: "We offer a real alternative to someone moving into a residential home. We support families in setting up the support network they need to do this and this enables the customer to stay in their own home, where they would much rather be. It is also usually far cheaper than going into residential care." Bluebird Care has built up an impressive number of franchise offices in a relatively short time, and now has offices stretching from Torbay to Ramsgate and Glasgow to Limerick in the Republic of Ireland.
Recession Resilient
Franchise Director Simon Dalziel says Bluebird Care, as the UK's fastest-growing provider of care at home, is opening on average an office every 3-4 weeks.
"We maintain a steady stream of franchise enquiries - many from people with extensive business experience who have run businesses previously. When looking for another business opportunity they will be attracted to the care sector as it is a sector where demand for our services will continue to rise," said Simon.
"The majority of our franchise owners do not have any care experience but bring skills and experience very relevant to running a Bluebird Care business. We have been resilient so far to any negative impact of a recession, maintaining our month on month growth of around 20%.
"Another upside is that we are also noticing that the recruitment of care staff has improved. A recent job advert resulted in 200 applicants - this is good news for our customers because it means we can recruit the very best carers."
Jane Perry - from foster mum to award-winning franchisee
Jane and her husband John set up their Bluebird Care franchise in Edinburgh summer 2008. Since then their business has grown steadily and was recently selected from more than 200 entries and awarded the prestigious ‘Best Newcomer Award' at the 2009 Scottish Care at Home Awards.
"What a year this is turning out to be. Firstly, we were delighted to receive the Bluebird Care Best Newcomer of the Year award at the Bluebird Care conference and then to receive this award as well is fantastic," said Jane.
"When my grandmother passed away, I decided to set up a care service with a personal touch. I did a lot of research into the sector and found Bluebird Care to offer by far the best business model. At the time, Bluebird Care was only operating in England, so I decided to set up a Scottish franchise in Edinburgh to offer the service here. We've gone from strength-to-strength in the last year. I believe it's our personal touch and flexibility that matters every time.
"Personally, I had never dreamed of going into the care industry before, but now I couldn't imagine doing anything else. It's very rewarding and great to know that we're providing a service which really matters to allow individuals to live independently in their own homes and I am determined that every single one of them will receive the same high standard of service which I would provide to a relative or friend."
Continued Growth
Bluebird Care is a franchise success story. The Company has shown what can be achieved through franchising in terms of fast expansion throughout the UK and beyond. The key to continued growth is though successful franchise owners.
"Without our franchise owners we do not have a business," says Simon Dalziel. "Our priority is supporting them in growing their own business and achieving their own success - and we have some very successful franchisees."
For more information visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
