The Caremark franchise model for success

The growth of Caremark is proof of the growing need for quality home care and support

Making the decision to leave corporate life for one of the self-employed entrepreneur is a difficult one - exhilaration in one hand, trepidation in the other. There is always risk in going it alone, but a true entrepreneur thrives on such risk; in fact, it is overcoming the challenges they meet that drives them.

However, choosing a respected franchisor with a proven business model for support can make this route an exciting opportunity. Particularly in the world of home care, where policy and procedure can prove both costly and time consuming for a start-up.

Savvy
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With latest government projections indicating the UK will have five and a half million older people in 20 years’ time, there is significant opportunity for savvy investors considering a care franchise. The growth and success of Caremark is proof of the growing need for quality care and support - a need that continues to build year on year.

Consistent growth over the last eight years has enabled Caremark to build a solid network of franchise owners and is set to continue expanding its presence throughout the UK. With a reputation for professionalism and a brand that represents excellence in home care and support, prospective candidates can be assured of buying a complete franchise package, giving them all the components necessary to build a profitable business. The current need for quality care and support across all sectors of society has never been greater.

Caremark is proud of its network, whose commitment to the franchise model has seen them become award winning franchisees who have achieved incredible results and superb growth in their businesses, all through their hard work and consistent application of the Caremark system. The unique systems and structures that underpin Caremark’s care and support activities are used by franchisees to ensure excellent service levels are continually delivered to the customer. Achieving these high standards is quite simply down to dedicated, caring franchisees following the system. A system that Caremark is constantly developing to meet the needs of an evolving marketplace.

British Franchise Association/ HSBC Franchisee of the Year and Female Franchisee of the Year 2013 winner Janis Anderson of Caremark Aylesbury & Wycombe says: “I wanted a career in something that involved providing something of worth to others and franchising was a good way of getting into a new industry.

“There is also very real benefit to being part of a franchise, rather than trying to start a business from scratch. This is particularly true for the care sector, as the legislation is complex. The care sector attracted my attention because it was clearly a growth industry and was providing a service I knew I could feel passionate about.

“The level of support offered to franchise owners by Caremark was particularly strong, both in the field by their regional support managers and from their support team at their central office. All franchise owners have regular contact with their RSM, which is helpful and enables one to keep developing business in the most efficient way. Secondly, I was looking for a franchisor with whom I could build an honest and trusting relationship and for me Caremark filled that need.”

Comparable
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Those who work for large organisations requiring compliance with systems and procedures, as Janis did, will find the world of franchising comparable. Add in an individual’s drive and ambition to succeed in a highly competitive world and one has a candidate with perfectly transferable skills. Caremark recruits just such professionals - people who will be able to meet the challenges of setting up a business in an evolving and highly regulated industry.

Another reason franchisees enter the world of care is following personal experience of care provision for a loved one. Laura Reeves of Caremark Mid-Surrey had a long and successful career in asset management. She found herself juggling her career with caring for her family and neighbours. This, along with her experience of sourcing care, led her to consider how her corporate skills could be utilised within the care industry and she started to consider a business of her own.

Laura says: “Once I had made the decision to start my own business, the care industry seemed a natural choice, particularly as I had previously cared for my grandparents who both had Alzheimer’s. I set about my due diligence and met with a few companies, but it was upon meeting Kevin Lewis, the owner of Caremark, that I decided this was the right company for me.

“I liked his passion and commitment to providing excellent care and was impressed there was a team available at head office to fully support me as a new franchisee - especially as this was a new industry to me. I am really pleased with how my business is developing and know I made the right decision to change direction in my career.”

Each franchisee’s success is underpinned by the Caremark support team - experienced industry professionals who offer comprehensive support services from launch day onwards. This gives them every opportunity to replicate Caremark’s previous success in opening local offices.

“We introduce new franchisees to a system of which we are justifiably proud and then support them to start their new business,” Kevin Lewis says. “It doesn’t end there though. My belief is that a good franchisor should offer support throughout the life of the franchise, allowing the partnership to mature and prove to be mutually successful.”

Equipped
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Caremark has an enviable ratio of franchisee to support manager at 15-1. By investing in its support team with regular workshops and training, Caremark ensures it is equipped to support franchisees with the changes seen in the industry.

The company’s franchise is a management opportunity that suits those used to building strong teams and working to policy and procedure. Having a proactive approach to one’s franchise and always growing with an eye on the future is essential, as is a genuine drive and ambition to succeed.

Caremark offers its franchisees a multi-revenue model, where care is provided to vulnerable people of all ages and abilities. Its outstanding in-house verified trainer ensures franchisees have the tools required to enter the world of care knowledgeable and focused. Once the business is well established and various qualifying criteria are met, franchisees also have the opportunity to purchase additional territories and expand their businesses.