Starting your own business is an exciting journey, but it also requires careful decision-making. One of the first choices you will face is whether to build an independent business from the ground up or invest in a franchise. Both paths offer distinct advantages and challenges.
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of starting your own independent business versus investing in a franchise, helping you understand which option might be the best fit for your goals, minimise risks, and set yourself up for long-term success.
The difference between buying a business or a franchise
Buying a business and buying a franchise might sound similar, they both give you ownership of a business, but they are fundamentally different in structure and support.
Independent Business
When you start or buy an independent business, you are entirely in control. You make every decision about branding, products, services, and overall strategy. This autonomy is ideal for entrepreneurs who want the freedom to innovate and create a business that reflects their personal vision.
However, with full control comes full responsibility. Every decision, from marketing to operations, falls on your shoulders, and mistakes can be costly.
Franchise
A franchise is essentially buying into a proven business model. You operate under an established brand, using recognised systems for marketing, operations, and customer service. Franchisors provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to help you avoid common pitfalls that new business owners often face. This structure provides security, reduces trial-and-error mistakes, and gives you a roadmap for growth, making franchising particularly appealing for first-time business owners or those looking to minimise risk.
While independent businesses offer flexibility and creative freedom, franchises offer structure, support, and a higher probability of early success.
Independent business the pros and cons
The pros of starting an independent business
- Full Control and creative freedom
Owning an independent business gives you complete creative freedom, from product offerings to marketing strategies, store layout, and customer service policies. This allows you to create a business that truly reflects your vision and personality. For entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or niche market strategies, this level of control can be very rewarding.
- Decision making
Independent businesses have full autonomy when it comes to decision-making. Owners can make decisions without needing approval from an external authority. In contrast, businesses operating as part of a franchise must adhere to the franchise’s established brand standards and compliance requirements. As a result, decision-making in a franchise is more structured and regulated, often requiring approval before implementing significant changes.
The cons of starting an independent business
- Higher risk of failure
Without a proven system, independent businesses face a higher likelihood of failure. In the UK, approximately 60% of new businesses fail within the first five years. Factors contributing to these failures include limited brand recognition, operational mistakes, and insufficient marketing reach. While risk can sometimes be mitigated through experience or mentorship, the inherent uncertainty is much higher than with a franchise.
In contrast, franchising offers a more structured and supported path. In the UK, 99.5% of franchises succeed, highlighting the effectiveness of established business models and support systems. This much lower risk shows why franchising can be a safer and smarter choice than starting a business on your own.
- Lack of built-in support
Starting an independent business means you are responsible for every aspect of the business, from marketing to staffing to operations. For first-time entrepreneurs, this can be overwhelming. Without guidance from an established system, mistakes can be costly and slow down growth. In contrast, franchises provide a support network, training, and a roadmap for success, giving new business owners a safety net they would not have independently.
Franchise the pros and cons
The Pros of a Franchise
- Established brand recognition
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that you start with a brand that customers already know and trust. This recognition can be a game-changer. When people are familiar with the brand, they are more likely to choose your service, which means less time and money spent on marketing.
A Bridgewater Home Care franchise benefits from a trusted reputation in the UK care sector, helping you attract clients from day one. This instant credibility reduces the struggle of building trust and finding your first customers, a challenge that often slows the growth of independent businesses.
- Proven business model
Franchises operate using tested systems covering staffing, operations, marketing, and customer service. These processes have been refined over time, giving franchisees a clear blueprint for success. Instead of experimenting and learning through costly trial and error, you can focus on delivering excellent customer experiences and growing your business. This structure is especially valuable in industries that are competitive or fast-moving, where mistakes can have significant financial consequences.
At Bridgewater Home Care, we bring this approach to life through our franchise model. Franchisees receive:
- Exclusive Territory – each franchisee operates within a defined area, allowing for focused growth and community engagement.
- Comprehensive Training – Bridgewater provides in-depth training covering all aspects of the business, from operations to compliance, ensuring franchisees are well-prepared.
- Ongoing Support – franchisees benefit from continuous support, including marketing assistance, recruitment strategies, and operational guidance.
- Proven Systems – the franchise model includes established policies, procedures, and a comprehensive operations manual, developed from years of experience in the home care industry.
- Technology Integration – Bridgewater utilises cloud-based IT infrastructure, ensuring efficient operations and remote accessibility for staff and franchisees.
- Quality Assurance – the franchise emphasises exceeding Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, focusing on exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.
By following Bridgewater’s tried-and-tested business model, franchisees can reduce the risks of starting from scratch while enjoying a supportive system that helps their business succeed.
The Cons of a Franchise
- High initial investment and fees
Franchises often require a larger upfront investment compared to starting an independent business. There are franchise fees, equipment costs, and sometimes renovations or location expenses. In addition, ongoing royalties may be due based on your revenue.
We understand that starting a franchise can involve a significant upfront investment. At Bridgewater Home Care, we support our franchisees by providing guidance on securing financing and offering flexible support options to help you access the capital you need. By easing this financial burden, we enable you to focus on running your business and delivering exceptional care, rather than worrying about cash flow.
- Time-consuming investment
One challenge of running a franchise is that it demands active involvement. You need to dedicate time and energy to overseeing your territory and ensuring it thrives. Fortunately, having a supportive franchisor can make this much more manageable.
At Bridgewater Home Care, for instance, every new franchisee receives personalised guidance from our founder, Phil Eckersley, throughout their first year. This hands-on support equips franchisees with everything they need to succeed, from advice on recruitment and compliance to practical insights and answers to any questions that arise along the way.
Open a franchise with Bridgewater today
If you’re looking to invest in a proven business with strong growth potential, a franchise in the home care sector could be the perfect fit. At Bridgewater Home Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way as you start your franchise journey.
Our team of experts is committed to helping you set up your own exclusive territory while giving you full access to our established business model and trusted brand. This means you can start with the confidence and credibility of a recognised name from day one.
To learn more about joining us, get in touch today via our contact form or call us on 01942 215 888.
