Franchising has helped this woman make a successful career change

Anoop Sekhon left her nine-to-five job to become a Bluebird Care franchisee

What first got you interested in franchising?

My interest was sparked by a few friends who were in the same position as me - bored at work in a 9-5 that felt like a dead end, wondering if this is what life was about and being in a position of not being able to change an organisation that was in desperate need of change.

The concept of franchising was something I fell into. I didn’t really have any idea what it was about or what support would be offered at the initial stage.

The reason why the Bluebird Care franchise model worked for me was because it was clear I would not always need to know all the answers because the network appeared to work so closely with each other.

With their quality managers, marketing support managers and business development managers supporting us from the franchise support centre, how can your business not work?

How did you get started and what help and support did you get?

Getting started was an interesting step, as it was almost like your hand was being held. The franchisor invited me along for an interview to see if I could uphold the values of the brand and after that the support was ongoing.

I received support to raise capital, speaking to banks, constructing a business plan, registering with our regulator and even when interviewing people for the team.

What is your working life like now?

The Bluebird Care model is set so you’re not working in your business, but on your business, which is key for the business to thrive and prosper.

I would not say I have a working life on my journey with Bluebird Care, I would say I have a life that I live. I have a good social, exercising, working and family balance that I have created with the support of my Bluebird Care team.

I have a great team who I trust to uphold the values of the business and I’m on hand to ensure any guidance can be provided as and when the team need it.

The only thing I struggle to do is stay away from my work phone for long periods of time. The weirdest thing about that is the team is so great it hardly rings!

What do you love most about your job?

I can make each day fun and be as creative as I want to be. The biggest thing I love about my job is working with a team who are inspired and love being at work.

What’s next for you?

To continue to grow and expand with the Bluebird Care network, to build on businesses that I already have and hopefully continue to expand to other territories.

I’m looking forward to more staff joining my team and making a positive difference in their life, so they can make a positive difference to the lives of people we look after.

Be a part of the story

With more people than ever seeking an alternative to traditional care homes, there has never been a better time to start a home care franchise.

With a network of over 200 franchisees across the UK and Northern Ireland, many achieving six-figure turnovers and expanding through purchasing multiple territories, Bluebird Care’s multirevenue management model enables franchisees to diversify their service offerings through a brand that is recognised for outstanding care.

At a glance Bluebird Care

Established:

2004

Number of franchised outlets:

206

Location of units:

UK and Ireland

Investment range:

£100,000-£115,000

Minimum required capital:

£34,500

Contact:

Victoria Brown, Franchise Development Manager. 07912 771149 bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk