How to be a hands-off investor and own a lucrative mainstream massage business

“I have a number of businesses and wanted to invest in one that would really help people and make a difference to their lives,” says Taran Bassi, owner of The Massage Company centre in Tunbridge Wells

Taran Bassi is a businessman with a finger in numerous very successful pies, so he knew he wouldn’t be able to devote much of his time to any new ventures.

That’s why he was so happy to discover The Massage Company - and get in on the ground floor, too.

“I have a number of businesses and wanted to invest in one that would really help people and make a difference to their lives,” says Taran, who is now the owner of The Massage Company centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

“I was able to see the beginning of The Massage Company before the pilot site was even opened and understand how the business was being put together and make sure what we were doing was changing the industry and being a real disruptor in it. 

“My IT consultancy takes up a great deal of time, so the management contract allows me to put a structure in place so I know the team is being looked after and the business is going to grow without necessarily having my day-to-day involvement. 

“I like to be involved and really understand a business, so I spent two years or so really understanding how the team works, what members are looking for, and what the business needs to grow.

“Now I’ve stepped away from that role and I have a management contract in place with TMC (The Massage Company) who look after the day-to-day operations.

“But I have a real hands-on involvement in terms of understanding how the business is running on a day-to-day basis. 

“The support you get from day one is really good. All the way through from finding a site, which can take a little bit of time, to the negotiation with landlords, the build, and getting quotes in and getting the right team in place.

“There was great support with the design to ensure we got the right look and feel for the business, then with the opening, marketing, and ongoing team recruitment. 

“It can take six to 12 months depending on how quickly you’re able to find a site and negotiate for the property. 

“TMC put a really strong management team in place and, for any franchisee, whether an owner-operator or an investor, the support you need is there.”

Asked if he had any advice for anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps, Taran says: “Go in with your eyes open. There’s an emotional and financial attachment that’s a key part of it. 

“It’s a fantastic business and a growth industry because there’s no competition for us at the moment and we know the potential there is huge. 

“For someone looking to invest in a new business, The Massage Company is a great opportunity.”