Here comes the female entrepreneurial revolution

The Right at Home franchise banishes any excuse for not starting a business

For many women, starting a business isn’t on the radar. It’s a lot of effort, and high-risk. However, over recent years, there’s a female entrepreneurial revolution taking place as more women take control of their lives – and their careers – supported by franchising.

The 2018 bfa NatWest Franchise Survey showed 20 per cent more women are starting their own business. “Franchising offers a safety net for women wanting to run businesses,” explains Lucy Campbell, COO of Right at Home UK. “Our network reflects this, as we’re seeing more women investing in a Right at Home franchise.”

Right at Home (RaH) provides outstanding care which means clients can retain their independence while being secure in their own homes. Caregivers treat clients as family, often going the extra mile for them.

Let’s explore some of the reasons, used by women, for avoiding business ownership:

LACK OF ROLE MODELS

61 per cent of women believe there aren’t enough female role models, according to a 2018 Unilever survey. “Within RaH, we have some incredible female role models,” says Lucy, “each one has built a £1m+ business.”

Like Amy Patel Popat, who bought RaH Solent with husband Kev in 2015. She witnessed the impact of bad care, so wanted to offer her community better. They’ve achieved this goal, as RaH Solent makes a real difference to clients every day. “In 2019, we launched our second territory, so we can continue delivering a positive impact,” says Amy.

She and Kev are award-winning franchisees, recently named overall bfa ‘Franchisee of the Year 2019’.

I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH EXPERIENCE

“Not having experience in care or running a business, won’t hinder your success with RaH,” explains Lucy. “We train you for launch and our business support team are right beside you.”

Julie Foote, shortlisted for a 2019 EWIF Women Franchisee award, spent 18 years in HR before switching careers. She has, since 2011, built a thriving business. “Starting your own business is hard,” she says. “But, the rewards are worth it. The training and ongoing support RaH provides meets every requirement for growing your new business.”

I’M NOT QUALIFIED

“RaH is a management franchise,” Lucy explains, “so, you don’t have to do the hands-on work yourself; you employ the right people and build a team around you.”

This includes employing qualified registered managers like Helen Garland, current holder of the EWIF Franchise Employee award. Helen has helped franchise owner, Andrew Davies, build a thriving business in Bournemouth. She’s committed to ensuring 100 per cent satisfaction by taking time to understand her clients and connecting them with the right caregiver.

“Franchising offers a safety net for women wanting to run businesses”

I’M NOT GOOD ENOUGH

“I hear too many women saying they’re not good enough to run a business,” Lucy says. “But this just isn’t true. The greatest benefit of franchising is the training and support. At RaH, we also encourage you to think about how to further develop your business.”

Ruth Solomons, running a million-pound turnover business in Harrow, introduced a new initiative to her RaH business. “I’m passionate about facilitating generational interaction,” she explains. “So, I launched workshops which allows my older clients to mix with local children. The impact is mutually beneficial and my business has a positive influence.”