“I’ve gone from care assistant to franchisee”

Buying a Bluebird Care business is an absolute dream for me, Allen Vanderwyk-Coyne says

2020 was a remarkable year for Bluebird Care. Despite the significant challenges the pandemic presented, the company maintained its position at the forefront of the private home care market.

It was continuously recognised, through multiple award wins, for the great work the network delivers. The brand continued to grow and even saw the first-ever carer take on their own franchise.

Business leader

Allen Vanderwyk-Coyne started working with Bluebird Care in 2006 and has spent years cultivating his career.

His passion for excellent quality care has helped him progress from care assistant to director, excelling in every role in between. Now leading his own business, Allen spends most of his time networking, focusing on taking the business to its next level and continuing to create a welcoming and transparent culture within his team.

Though his role has changed over the years, Allen still understands how important it is to truly care. As someone who started his career as a care assistant, he wants to do more for his staff and customers to show how much they’re appreciated. Allen plans to celebrate his care workers with ‘Years of Service’ milestones and also has ideas in the works for customers, which include distributing small gifts.

In his franchisee application, Allen said: “I’m Bluebird Care through and through. Starting as the first franchise care worker 14 years ago to now buying the business is an absolute dream for me.

“I’ve worked in the care sector for around 27 years. I still love it as much today as I did when I first started.”

Network knowledge

As a new franchisee, Allen will benefit from the knowledge of the existing Bluebird Care network, gaining insight from a mentor franchisee and prescriptive coaching from an onboarding manager over the course of his first two years.

Franchisees also have access to a dedicated Regional Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager and Quality Manager to ensure they have the support needed to get their business off the ground and provide support on an ongoing basis.

Victoria Brown, Bluebird Care’s franchise development manager, says:

“We were delighted to award Allen the franchise. The operational knowledge he has gained over the last 14 years, coupled with his commitment to the brand and motivation to deliver outstanding care in his community, will no doubt be the driving force behind Allen’s continued success. “As franchisor, we will continue to provide him with our award-winning support in all aspects of the business.

“From finance, business systems and IT to field-based marketing, business development and quality assurance, we pride ourselves on offering continuous learning and development plans for our franchisees, plus initial training to give them the detail, knowledge and assurance to set up and run the business.”

Continuously recognised

Bluebird Care’s franchise support centre was continuously recognised throughout 2020 for its robust support, securing the Gold Award for Outstanding Franchise Marketing at the Approved Franchise Association Awards.

The brand also won the award for Team Support Expertise at the Home Care Awards 2020. This award reflects the impressive total of 300 years of industry experience that Bluebird Care’s franchise support centre staff members have collectively acquired. This includes accredited qualifications, experience working for the Care Quality Commission and franchising expertise.

This is great news for anyone considering a Bluebird Care franchise, as it demonstrates that the marketing initiatives available to you are tried, trusted and proven to deliver.

At a glance Bluebird Care

Established:

2004

Number of franchised outlets:

  228

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. vickybrown@bluebirdcare.co.uk