Franchise fast-track

At just 27, Right at Home franchisee Almas Adam is already an award winner

What attracted you to franchising and in particular Right at Home?

Franchising is a way to rapidly grow into a sector, without having vast prior experience in it.

With regards to Right at Home, it was mainly the UK franchisor, Ken Deary, who gave us great confidence in the brand. The focus on finding high calibre franchisees and ensuring the quality of service was imperative for Ken. This was a big selling point for us - it indicated that they would always maintain high standards and stay committed to quality.

What have been your biggest challenges?

Recruitment, the level of regulation and overcoming other people’s reactions to my age. When you’re new to the sector, it’s tough to manage staff, as you don’t share their experience or understanding of the job role. So we made it a priority to get involved in the business and understand all its aspects.

Recruitment is an ongoing issue in social care, however we implement a proactive recruitment process. Domiciliary care can be complex to manage, as you have no control over when or where clients will need your services. It’s difficult to make sure you recruit the right people with capacity to cover peak times.

In the early days, I found my age could initially present a barrier when building relationships with older clients and staff.

The sector is also heavily reliant on referral marketing, which involves building relationships with other healthcare professionals, and at times it was obvious that GPs and senior professionals were questioning my experience.

It has taken time, but my manner usually serves to reassure people and ultimately it’s not stopped us from growing the business.

How did it feel to win the British Franchise Association young franchisee of the year award?

It’s a great accolade to have. It was an amazing feeling to be recognised for all the difficulties you face and it reaffirms everything you do.

What do you attribute your success to?

My family and our internal culture has a great part to play in our success. I am in business with my brother and we hold each other accountable and at any point will pull each other up on opinions and decisions.

My dad has also had a huge part to play in it - he was a great role model when we were growing up. His work ethic was phenomenal and part of our drive was to allow our dad to take a step back. We wanted to provide for him, just as he had provided for us.

What advice would you give to people of a similar age considering investing in a franchise?

You have to make sure you go into a business that will allow you to play to your strengths.

I’d advise thorough research, so you’re as sure as you possibly can be that you’ll enjoy the sector and have what it takes to be successful. Use the British Franchise Association to make sure any franchise you’re considering is ethically run.

It’s also important not to underestimate the size of the commitment you’re making - both financially and to your lifestyle - as you have to give it everything you’ve got for the first few years at least.

But, personally, franchising has been the perfect vehicle to help me get to where I want to be.