In Demand

Western Provident Association (WPA) is a private health insurer that’s been franchising, and a proud member of the British Franchise Association, for 10 years.

WPA franchisees - or healthcare partners - work as consultants, not only selling and promoting the company’s health insurance products, but actively maintaining customer relationships with regular contact to ensure customer satisfaction.

The franchise team use their expertise to manage their customer portfolio, while growing an ethical, successful business.

Never been busier

With the franchise industry continuing to prosper and the uncertainty of the healthcare systems in the UK, WPA’s healthcare partners have never been busier.

Although the private medical insurance industry is fiercely competitive, WPA has remained true to its heritage and is continuing to expand its loyal customer base. This may be due to the fact local business owners are able to deal directly with the WPA healthcare partners, who are also local business owners.

To encourage the success of new healthcare partners, WPA relaunched its impressive franchise support programme in January 2017.

The new two-year package includes:

• A dedicated, local mentor to help you establish your practice for two years.
• Enhanced professional fees in the first two years.
• £3,000 marketing fund to spend raising your profile within your franchise territory.
• Launch pad fund of up to £15,000, which is released incrementally depending upon results (not available if purchasing an established franchise).

As well as the launch programme described above, franchisees also benefit from:

• Initial and ongoing training and support in your region and from head office.
• Business cards, promotional literature and product literature. National affinity relationships with high profile UK brands.
• Quarterly workshops and annual conference at no additional charge.
• Real time connectivity to WPA IT systems via a bespoke iPad app.
• Dedicated head office franchise support team.

With a one-off franchise fee of £9,200 (plus a £2,500 fidelity bond), this support package shows a strong commitment to making new partners a success.

Minimise the risk

Mark Southern, WPA’s commercial director, says: “We understand that making a decision to purchase a franchise is a big decision, especially if you’re used to having a salary as an income.

“So by creating a market leading support package for our new partners, we’re trying to minimise this risk in a bid to continue to recruit the highest quality partners.”

Healthcare partners come from various backgrounds and different walks of life. However, they all have business acumen and are driven to succeed. Successful candidates must have the ability to develop a network of customers, have strong interpersonal skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

Paul Geoghegan, an existing franchisee, says: “I feel the WPA franchise is a perfect fit for someone coming from a business background, especially one where customer interface and customer satisfaction is key.”