What did you do before franchising and why make the change?
I qualified as an optometrist in 2012 and spent most of my optical career working for Specsavers. My husband and I wanted to have our own business, something truly our own that we could lead with our vision. We were drawn to home care due to our personal and cultural values, which were so well aligned with the values of Bluebird Care.
What was the initial training and support like?
The initial training gave me the opportunity to meet members of the Bluebird Care National Support Team (NST), each sharing invaluable insights into the Bluebird Care model – the history, the values of the brand, the systems used, marketing – it covered a lot and really made me feel like I had a good base of knowledge to ‘hit the ground running’.
What training and support is available ongoing?
Being a business owner, in the care sector, there’s always lots going on and to keep up with. Bluebird Care offers support and guidance on all aspects of running a home care business – quality, marketing, business development. This might be in the form of training sessions, regional meetings or bringing in external parties to learn from. Fellow franchise partners support is also great, a valuable part of being part of a network.
Any standout moments?
Honestly – my entire time with Bluebird Care has been a standout part of my life. I am so very proud of the service that we provide to so many in our local community and the difference my teams make every day. One highlight has been our partnership with a wonderful charity called Re-engage, working together to help fight loneliness for the over 75s.
Describe a typical day
Possibly the most difficult question! Team meetings, 1-1s with my registered manager, network webinars, onboarding new members, volunteering at a dementia café, hosting our Re-engage coffee afternoons, researching local events and opportunities, marketing plans, investing in growing our service lines and ways to support clients, and dealing with the day-to-day office questions – what’s happened to the central heating?! (Thankfully sorted itself out, as this one was a bit out of my remit!)
How have you found being a woman running her own business?
I’m super proud to be a woman running my own business! My confidence and self-belief have grown so much. I consider myself lucky to be on this journey with so many great women running successful businesses within Bluebird Care and being part of a franchise means we are always championing each other’s success.
Would you recommend this franchise opportunity to others, and/or to women in particular?
Absolutely! I see inspirational women in my businesses every day, whether that be as a carer, as part of the management team or my fellow female leaders and business owners. As women, we shouldn’t shy away from the leadership roles – we can lead with purpose, ambition and compassion. Franchise opportunities are also a great way for anyone new to business to take the first step –