Availl, the Cambridge-based care provider, has expanded into franchising
A new care company has entered the franchising arena under the name Availl.
In a sector that is worth in excess of £25 billion per year and rising, five years ago husband and wife team Graham Parker and Paula Wilson-Parker realised there was a gap in the Cambridge care market for an agency that lived up to what was promised and delivered more than what was expected. The strapline on the company’s logo is ‘We Do Care’, and it is this core value that runs through every aspect of the business.
Strength
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The great strength of Availl is the partnership of Paula’s 20 years’ experience in the care sector and Graham’s vast experience in working with start-up businesses.It was their strong belief, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that took them from the humble beginnings of a small office in the summer of 2007 to their current premises in Cambridge city centre and a team of dedicated managerial and support staff.
Working with over 100 carers, they supply over 5,000 hours of care and support every week to people in their own homes, establishments and through contracts with local authorities.
The core values of uncompromising standards, making a difference in people’s lives and exceeding client expectations run through everyone at Availl. As Paula says:“We pride ourselves on not just identifying the correct care package for our clients, but also in the ongoing contact with both clients and their relations. We are flexible to meet ever increasing demands and will always go that extra mile.”
It is this award winning reputation that has resulted in turnover reaching £2.2 million in year five, with a healthy gross profit of 30 per cent.
Graham continues:“Franchising is the natural progression for Availl. By identifying business partners who share our beliefs and values we will grow the network nationwide and meet our aim of becoming the country’s largest and, most importantly, favourite local care and nursing provider.”
Working with the franchising experts at Business Options and the franchising legal team at Leathes Prior Solicitors, Graham and Paula have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to perfect the Availl franchise model. The recent appointment of Paula Spriggs to the role of franchise manager was the final piece in the jigsaw. Paula brings over 20 years’ of franchising experience to Availl, having undertaken a variety of operational and franchise recruitment roles for several leading franchised companies both in the UK and United States.
Graham is very much the numbers guru and his general business acumen, gained from years working with large corporate companies, will be instrumental in assisting new franchisees, particularly in the early stages. Paula is on hand to provide that much needed expertise in the care sector and advise on the best way for franchisees to develop their businesses. Of particular benefit to all franchisees will be her experience of working with local authorities and in the preparation of tenders for local contract work.
Self starter
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Taking this into account, no prior experience of the care sector is required to become a franchisee. What’s more important is being a self starter with entrepreneurial spirit, and not just good with people, but great with them. Availl will assist franchisees with the recruitment of the registered manager where necessary.
Following an initial marketing launch, which will include establishing contacts within local authorities, the key role of the franchisee will be the ongoing promotion of the Availl brand and the profitable growth of the business. The entry level investment for an Availl franchise is £38,750 (plus VAT), of which you would typically require in the region of £20,000 as liquid capital.
The business model is designed to be based from a small office and the package includes:
* Comprehensive two-week training programme.
* Marketing launch.
* On-site training and support -including assistance with recruitment.
* Registration with the Care Duality Commission (CDC).
* IT equipment and software.
* Initial branded uniform stock.
* Staff training materials.
