Career change

Ex-army major Andrew Davis went from active service to running his own Right at Home care business, while former PC Joe Guishard describes the training and support he’s received prior to opening his franchise

Right at Home recently awarded the key territories of Bournemouth and Cardiff to franchisees who in their earlier careers were a commissioned army officer and police officer respectively.

Thirty-eight-year-old Andrew Davis had seen active service in the Balkans and Iraq before taking a mentoring role helping other officers prepare themselves for commanding their troops on operations. Now he owns a business providing top quality home care services for elderly people and adults with physical disabilities in Bournemouth.

Road map

What factors led him from the military to the care sector? The growth potential in the UK market and the operational support provided by Right at Home proved to be the key. “It’s quite a departure from my previous life, certainly,” says Andrew. “I chose franchising because the notion of being the master of my own destiny is very important to me. Secondly, I wanted to have that relationship and guidance - a road map to success if you like.

“I was attracted to care because while I can see that financially I can control my own growth and income, I also wanted to do something that made me feel good about the value I was adding to the lives of others. As I become successful, my staff will see the benefits, but most importantly the people we provide care and support to will have a better quality of life. That feels really great.”

Commitment

The care sector is a competitive market, so why did he choose Right at Home? Explains Andrew: “I did lots of research, speaking to several franchisors in the sector and plenty of franchisees as well. I was impressed with the passion and commitment shown by the Right At Home team right from the word go.

“The support and guidance they gave me was reflected in what their franchisees said as well. Lots of organisations say their support is really good, but with Right at Home their franchisees said the same thing.

“The training I have had from the Right at Home team has been so valuable - I can’t speak highly enough about it. I couldn’t have asked for more help and not once did I think I was being a nuisance. It is so refreshing to deal with a company that does exactly what it says it will do.

“Having no specific sector experience, it was a relief to see the scope of experience within the team as well. Since the initial training, there has been a steady stream of contact between us - and that is helping me to be ready for the big day when I open the doors to the big wide world.”

Former Cardiff police officer Joe Guishard knew he wanted to work for himself in a business that directly helped people in his local community. He then decided to seek a franchise, because he wanted the network of support from an experienced business or person.
“Meeting Ken Deary, managing director of Right at Home UK, and realising his expertise in this field was what clinched it for me,” says Joe. “The home care sector was something I felt very passionate about, with a strong desire to deliver quality services. Right at Home matched my aims and aspirations and seemed a highly ethical company, which is why I wanted to become a part of it.

“The franchisee training we received exceeded my expectations - it really was first class and an invaluable experience. There was lots of information you just wouldn’t get if you were starting up on your own. I feel the training has allowed me to hit the ground running.

“Since then the support has been top class - absolutely first rate from the whole of the team. In every aspect of my start-up phase there has been dedicated, focused support when and wherever I’ve needed it. Specifically, the support I’ve had from Ken Deary has amazed me and the quality of his advice has been first class. At his level, I did not expect him to be so actively involved. It shows just how committed he is to the business and the success of his franchisees.

“My ultimate aim is to be a multi-territory owner in 10 years’ time, expanding our top class services in and around Wales.”