Franchisees and franchisors share how they are adjusting to the new normal
As more of the UK turns to self-isolation and social distancing, balancing personal and professional lives with home-schooling and other duties, remaining positive through these trying times is paramount.
In this new series, we speak with franchisees and franchisors from across the UK to find out how they are coping with “the new normal”.
Amrit Rahi-Deogun
Tutor Doctor
Amrit Rahi-Deogun launched her Tutor Doctor business in Greenwich in September 2017 when she craved the flexibility that having her own business would offer. Her franchise has quickly grown to become a pillar of the community, supporting students with their studies, and ensuring that they get the tuition they need to level up their skillsets. In almost three years, Amrit has employed additional team members to work in the office, but the recent outbreak has forced her to reconsider the way her business operates. Amrit tells us of the ways that she is coping.
On working from home with children
“On the whole, the children are very good. As they’re also having to cope with not attending school, it’s important for all of us to have some routine. It’s crucial for us to be aware of what is going on and when we’re available for breaks or time-outs. My husband is an essential worker, so the responsibility falls on me to implement some routine. It was tough initially but, being a former teacher, I knew how to manage their days effectively. We aim to keep our breaks at the same time so we can enjoy those little pockets of time altogether.”
On adapting to the new normal
“Tutor Doctor’s unique approach of in-home consultations has had to be reconsidered. Luckily though, the power of technology allows me to conduct sessions through a video link to ensure that I match students with the best tutor. We continue to focus on the personalised service that we deliver to demonstrate how we can provide a solution. The tech that the franchisor provides, including our bespoke online tutoring platform, Bramble, and a custom-built dashboard which monitors activity, means that we can carry on with as little disruption as possible.”
On coping with pressure
“Naturally, it’s a difficult time for everyone. But the great thing about being a Tutor Doctor franchisee is being able to support those that need it the most. Education is imperative and being available for all parents, students and tutors is important to us. We’ve seen a surge in the demand for online tutoring which initially presented a challenge, but we expected it and had procedures in place to manage. I think it’s easy to buckle under the pressure, especially when so much is expected of myself and my tutors, but it’s all about being methodical, offering support and taking things one step at a time. That’s the way I plan to carry on!”
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