The franchise that facilitates special bonding moments

Hey Baby 4D clinics offer expectant parents and families a unique opportunity to see and meet baby in stunning 4D imagery

Most pregnancy journeys include just two NHS ultrasound scans. However, advances in ultrasound technology, increases in gender reveal parties and a desire to have more opportunities to bond with an unborn baby have given rise to private baby ultrasound clinics.

Hey Baby 4D clinics offer scans from six-eight weeks, early gender scans and immersive 4D video scans, with expectant parents, grandparents, children and friends sharing this special bonding moment.

Established brand

The first Hey Baby 4D clinic opened in Derby in 2015 and in 2018 the franchise opportunity was born, giving people with the desire to start their own business the chance to realise their dreams, supporting them on their journey to being their own boss and becoming employers themselves.

Fast-forward to 2020 and Hey Baby 4D has experienced rapid growth within the sector, nine clinics are operating, with a further eight expected to open this year.

Hey Baby 4D’s success was recognised when it became a finalist in the Start-Up Business of the Year category of the 2020 FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards. The category celebrates small businesses that make significant achievements in their first year’s trading and also have plans for a sustainable future.

Attractive proposition

Hey Baby 4D franchise director Nikki Senior believes that being part of a franchise in this regulated sector is an attractive proposition for prospective clinic owners.

She says: “Many people dream of running their own business. However, in a sector that’s regulated by the Care Quality Commission, being part of a franchise can be incredibly beneficial, particularly to those who don’t come from a health care background.

“There’s a lot to learn from a regulatory perspective and that’s where the franchise model can help budding clinic owners. The operational support provided within a franchise, using tried and tested models transforms the journey for franchisees.”

Is hey baby life for you?

The life of a clinic owner can vary from being hands-on to being able to take a step back from an established clinic’s day-to-day running. The first 18 months are intense, as new franchisees go from the initial property search and mastering policies and procedures to satisfy the CQC, to opening their clinic and getting a year’s trading under their belts (the time it takes to open a clinic varies).

Hey Baby 4D provides the support needed to be CQC compliant and get clinics up and running, including a bespoke website and booking system, as well as support with the set up of IT and systems required to run a private ultrasound clinic. However, the company does allow franchisees to put their own stamp on their clinic by choosing the décor.

“Our franchisees receive ongoing support throughout their time with us,” Nikki says. “Our franchise team are on hand to support with any query - from where to source equipment to attracting customers.

“Upon joining, our franchisees become a part of the Hey Baby family, where new franchisees can leverage support and tips from our other established clinic owners. The majority of clinic owners choose to be the registered manager, enabling them to achieve additional qualifications, which can be used in other care settings too.”

At a glance

Established:

2017

Number of franchised outlets:

15 open clinics

Location of outlets:

nationwide

Investment range:

£65,000-£100,000

Minimum capital required:

£80,000

Contact:

Nikki Senior. hey@heybaby4d.co.uk. 03333 660 573