Flexibility proves to be the key for why business owners continue to renew their franchise agreements
Sisters Sarah and Holly, who run MagiKats Hove Tuition Centre, have renewed their franchise contract for a second time, having first set it up in a business centre over shops in October 2012.
Almost 10 years later, they reflect on why MagiKats has worked so well for them.
Flexibility has been the key. Initially, the sisters were able to start and grow the business alongside other work. In more recent years, Sarah has been able to start and grow a family whilst continuing to develop the business. She is now about to go off on family leave for a few months with her second child.
Renewing into their third five-year term keeps that continuity in their lives.
In February 2020, the pair moved into a retail site. Following months of planning and setting up – then COVID-19 hit. Sarah said: “We were so excited to move into new premises, complete with courtyard garden for summer sessions when the COVID lockdown forced us online. Now, however, we are back and really loving seeing our students enjoying workshops in person once again.”
A combination of tenacity and support from the franchisor got them through the last couple of years. The nature of the MagiKats model is multi-sensory learning, so as soon as they could they were back in the centre and open again.
When asked what being a MagiKats franchisee has given them, Holly said: “We have a yearly routine, the spine and structure around the business and our lives. We have grown as business owners over the last 10 years and it has allowed us to grow as people and eventually have the confidence to take on premises, build a team of mentors and manage our working and family life perfectly.”
They hope to find some time, around Sarah’s baby being born, to celebrate the last decade of MagiKats Hove in October 2022.
