“I have a good affinity for older people, so a care franchise ticked all the boxes”

Grant Attwood’s Right at Home franchise has not only survived a pandemic, it’s soared past all projections

In 2019 Grant Attwood took the decision to leave manufacturing and set up his own business doing something more rewarding.

He knew a franchise would help him get established. What he didn’t bank on was COVID-19 putting the nation into lockdown shortly after he started trading. 15 months later, Grant’s business has not only survived trading through a global pandemic - it’s soared past all projections.

Doing something real

He says: “My career was in manufacturing, producing things like paper plates and greeting cards, and I always felt I wanted to do something more real that would give back to my community.

“I have a good affinity for older people, so a care franchise ticked all the boxes; start a business, make a difference, help older people - everything just came together.

“It was quite a change, though. Previously, I’d been sourcing machinery raw materials and advising on logistics. I’d no direct experience of care and that’s why a franchise was the only viable route for me.

“It has been really rewarding. At times it’s stressful, like with any new business start-up, I guess. You’re dealing with people and people have problems that they turn to you to deal with.

“At those times of stress, I’ve thought to myself: ‘Did I make the right decision? What else would I rather be doing?’ And the answer has always been: ‘There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.’

“The growth of the business so far has been much better than I had anticipated. And while I’m still very involved in the day-to-day, my role has become more strategic as the team has grown.”

Family friendly

Grant’s wife accepts that sometimes it’s difficult for him to switch off. “But family for me is the number one priority and I love being able to manage my own hours to be there when needed,” he says.

“The franchisee support has been excellent. My weekly meetings with my business support manager are an opportunity to discuss plans and ask questions.

“She has a wide range of experience and works with offices at various growth points, so she can share all kinds of advice and best practice if I’m struggling with something.

“Obviously, the pandemic struck us all hard and Right at Home really helped with ensuring we had correct PPE and knew the protocols to follow for the new coronavirus guidelines.

“We have clients who love to go out, but trips to garden centres and theatres and things have been impossible, so we’ve been limited to walks on the beachfront or going for a scenic drive. But as things start to reopen, we’re looking forward to giving clients those opportunities again.

“The last 18 months have definitely been a roller-coaster ride - managing the growth and adapting to operating in a pandemic has brought challenges I never imagined.

“But I’m incredibly proud of the way we’ve protected our clients and the team’s dedication has been incredible. It makes me very positive and confident about the future for Right at Home North Somerset.”

At a glance

Established:

2010

Number of franchised outlets:

70

Location of units:

England, Scotland and Wales

Investment range:

approximately £125,000

Minimum required capital:

£40,000

Contact:

Kate Dilworth, franchise recruitment manager