WF-15.9

INSIGHT 18 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.9 Build a business while raising a family More and more parents are turning to franchising as they search for flexible work opportunities s I write this article, we’re fast approaching the Easter school holidays. I’m a mum of two and even though my children are now teenagers, each day of the school holidays presents a new set of challenges as I try to balance work and business with keeping the two of them happy and entertained - which isn’t always easy given the unpredictable British weather. When I speak to other franchisors - not just in my own industry of children’s activities, but in other fields too - many report a significant increase in enquiries from prospective franchisees during the school holidays, particularly from parents with young families. And that’s not surprising when you think about it. Constant juggling act So many parents become stressed and disillusioned by the constant juggling act of trying to balance work with children and home life and many traditional or corporate job roles don’t offer the flexibility parents crave to make it possible, or often even cost-effective, to work around family life. Although many employers are making changes to accommodate the increasing demands of parents, it seems there is still a long way to go. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that so many parents are reaching for Google, dreaming of ditching the 9 to 5 and looking to become masters of their own destiny. I should know, as I’ve been there myself. I left behind the security of the legal profession as I struggled to maintain the balance I wanted between my career as a lawyer and my role as the primary carer of two young children to start my own business running art classes for babies and children so I could work flexibly around them. My own personal motivation was that I wanted to be able to do the school run every day and knew my previous role would never allow me to do this. Why does franchising attract parents? So the rise of the ‘parentpreneur’ is well documented. But what is it about the franchise industry that attracts parents looking to launch their own ventures, with the aim of developing and growing a business around life at home? Financial considerations are one of the major factors drawing parents towards the franchise model. Generally speaking, investing in a franchise is seen as a safer financial undertaking than going it alone. As a franchisee, you’re joining an established brand with a track record and proven business model. Many parents, if they have young dependents at home, are likely to have a more cautious approach to investment, so this immediately makes a franchise opportunity an attractive proposition. And as you’re joining a brand where the product or service is already developed and the A THE AUTHOR Fiona Simpson is the founder and managing director of ARTventurers. She was named Woman Franchisor of the Year 2018 in the EWIF Awards systems and procedures are already in place, you’ll be up and running and taking cash into the business far more quickly than if you were starting from WORDS BY FIONA SIMPSON