Don’t want to go back to the office? Try the kitchen table instead. Samantha Laurie on child-related franchises
You’re on maternity leave and enjoying a world you didn’t know existed until now – baby signing, sensory play, gym, swim and sing sessions, messy fun, creative play. All manner of baby and toddler activities become the flesh and bones of your week. Then comes the thudding realization that you have to go back to work...
Or do you? There are over 900 franchise businesses in Britain, and many of them have to do with children. For those keen to run their own business, but with less risk and more oversight, it’s a proven approach: the business plan in place, the brand established, the franchisor on hand to help you avoid common mistakes. In fact, says the British Franchise Association – a self-regulating body with 280 members – only 5% of franchises fail.
Even so, your choice of enterprise should be financially hardheaded, not the result of falling in love with the first brand you see. Be guided by Emily Price, BFA’s head of operations...
Top tips
- Do your research and ask the right questions. Compare different franchises and make sure you have solid trading figures to consider. Talk to existing franchisees, ask if they would do it again and find out how their actual income compares with the projections you’ve been given. Check out what support and training are in place.
- Know what you are willing and able to commit. All franchise opportunities require an initial investment, so ensure you have enough to help you build the business. Be clear on the time you want to commit (make sure projections are not based on your working 24/7!).
- Understand your obligations. Have a specialist franchise solicitor review the agreement.
Case studies
Puddle Ducks: Swimming classes for babies and children
Natalie Archer runs the East Surrey franchise, delivering 60 lessons across three pools and managing a team of 11. Before starting a family she worked in insolvency for an accountancy firm, but wanted a better work/life balance when her daughter was born five years ago.
Biggest challenge: “Managing staff. I had no experience of HR and I learnt that finding the right people is critical.”
Lessons learnt: “I wish I had not tried to do everything myself for as long as I did. When I took on another teacher, it got easier.”
Pleasant surprises: “I have found social media does much of the marketing for you, so I haven’t needed to invest as much as I expected.”
Support from HQ: “The technical team are brilliant – I get so much feedback from them about the latest research and how to deliver the most up-to-date teaching.”
Advice: “Do something you’re passionate about and don’t expect to see immediate rewards – it was two years before I started to notice real benefits.”
- Start-up cost: £26,325. Franchisees are given full swim instruction and business training. Franchises currently available in Guildford and Walton/Weybridge (thebfa.org)
The Detective Project: Crime scene birthday parties and events
On a career break from the police force, Jenny Williams had the brilliant idea of running a birthday party for her son as a crime scene, with party guests looking for forensic clues to investigate the murder. They loved it, and Jenny went on to launch The Detective Project, which runs at parties, in schools and at team-building events for adults.
What makes a good franchisee?
“We don’t want people who are just trying to buy themselves a job, but those who want to run their own business.”
Do you need specific skills?
“A background in policing or business is great, but it’s more about presenting well and having good people skills.”
Why buy a franchise when you could set up something similar on your own?
“It cost me a lot more than £10,000 to discover what I’ve learnt in building the business. This takes the pain out of it – we run the website and provide a marketing strategy, plus lots of management support, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie.”
- Typical start-up cost: £9,995 (thebfa.org)
Little Kickers: Fun football classes for ages 18 months to seven years
Carli @AdbyCreative
Yvonne Phillips runs the East Surrey branch, delivering 20 classes a week with a team of eight part-time coaches.
Best bits: “It has a nice family feel. We franchisees often get together – talking to someone who is going through the same experiences makes a big difference.”
Worst bits: “6am on a Saturday morning when a coach calls to say they’re ill! Actually though, the hardest part is that it can get a bit lonely working on your own.”
Lessons learnt: “Be realistic in your expectations. I didn’t make much in the first year.”
HQ support: “It’s been massive: marketing campaigns, writing a business plan, sorting out insurance, training coaches, sorting out the legalities of hiring people.”
Biggest challenge: “Finding good coaches – you’re only as good as your team.”
Advice: “Talk to as many franchisees as you can. Ask them what they enjoy, what they find difficult and precisely what support they get from HQ.”
- Typical start-up cost: £10,000 (thebfa.org)
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