Thinking about starting your own business but daunted by the risks of going it alone? A franchise could be the perfect solution. But how does a franchise work? Essentially, franchising allows you to run your own business while leveraging an established brand, proven systems, and ongoing support from the franchisor. This approach gives you the independence of being a business owner with the security of a tried-and-tested model.
In this guide, we’ll break down the franchise model, explain the roles of franchisor and franchisee, and explore the advantages of choosing a franchise as your next business venture.
What Is a Franchise?
Investing in a franchise means stepping into a business that already has a proven track record. Instead of starting from zero, you’re able to run your own location while benefiting from a proven business model, its products, and its systems.
The franchise provides guidance and a ready-made model, helping you avoid the trial-and-error of starting a new business. In return, you pay for the rights to operate in a defined area and bring the company’s offerings to your own customers.
How a Franchise Model Works
Instead of starting from scratch, a franchise business model allows you to run your own business using a recognised brand and its proven processes and systems. This gives you the right to operate a local branch of an established company.
When you first look at investing in a franchise, there is an initial fee to join, as well as ongoing royalties you will need to pay. In return, you receive training, support, and access to the franchisor’s resources, giving you a head start in building a successful business.
A franchise is a fantastic opportunity as it lets you combine the independence of being a business with the security of a tried-and-tested business model. For home care franchises like Bridgewater Home Care, this means running your own service in your community while benefiting from an established brand reputation and operational systems.
Franchise Legal Agreement
When starting a franchise, it’s important to understand the legal agreement you and the franchisee will be making. The franchise legal agreement will outline the rights and responsibilities between you, the franchisee and the franchise owner. This agreement is a key part of how a franchise works, as it looks at setting out the rules for operating under your chosen franchise, protecting the business and its reputation.
The agreement will cover important areas such as:
- Territory rights
- Franchise fees and royalties
- Operational obligations
- Support and training
- Duration and renewal
At Bridgewater Home Care, our legal agreement is designed to be transparent and straightforward. It ensures you understand your responsibilities while giving you the framework and support to build a successful franchise in your community.
The Role Of The Franchisor
The franchisor is the company that owns the brand and business model you are looking at franchising. Their role is to provide the franchisee with:
- Training and support – So you can run the business effectively
- Marketing and branding – Helping you market your business
- Operational systems – IT and operating systems to help your business run smoothly
- Ongoing guidance – expert help and advice throughout your franchising journey
The franchisor makes sure each franchise is running consistently and is always keeping up with brand standards.
The Role Of a Franchisee
When you become a franchisee, you become responsible for running your own business with the franchisor’s system. You need to look after the day-to-day running of your business, including:
- Managing day-to-day operations – overseeing the daily operations of the business, making sure everything runs smoothly
- Hiring, training, and supervising staff – Building a team that works effectively together, and keeping on top of recruitment
- Ensuring high-quality service and compliance with standards – Maintaining compliance with both Bridgewater brand standards and CQC regulatory standards.
- Handling local marketing and community outreach – promoting your business and building relationships and clientele
- Monitoring financial performance and reporting to the franchisor – keeping on top of your business finances
Being a franchisee means you are able to run your business but have the support of a franchisor along the way, giving you the guidance to thrive.
The Benefits of Opening a Franchise
Opening a franchise offers several advantages over starting a business from scratch, and with Bridgewater Home Care, these benefits are even greater. You gain a proven business model that reduces the risk of failure, alongside an established brand that gives instant credibility with clients.
Our dedicated Franchise Support team offers comprehensive assistance to guide franchisees throughout their Bridgewater journey. This team includes experts in brand compliance, recruitment and retention, finance, and IT, as well as a dedicated point of contact and support staff to ensure every need is covered.
Support for our Franchise Partners is both initial and ongoing, delivered through a variety of methods. These include branded marketing packages, training courses, mentoring sessions (either face-to-face or online), and regular communication via email and phone.
Choosing the Right Franchise
Selecting the right franchise is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a prospective business owner. When evaluating a franchise, consider factors such as the level of support offered, the strength of the brand, training and resources, and the franchise’s track record of success. Think about the industry too, does it match your experience or passion? For example, a home care franchise like Bridgewater allows you to make a positive impact in your community while running a business with a proven model and strong support systems.
Ultimately, the right franchise should give you the tools, guidance, and confidence to succeed, while allowing you to build a business you’re proud to own.
Opening a Franchise with Bridgewater Home Care
With Bridgewater Home Care, you have the opportunity to create a positive impact in your local community while managing a thriving franchise in your own dedicated area.
When you join Bridgewater, you’ll have access to:
- Mentorship from our founder, Phil Eckersley – a former franchisee who knows the industry back-to-front
- Bespoke software to make your life much easier
- Marketing resources to get the word out about your business
- Online systems so you can work anywhere
- And much more!
If you’re looking for a smart business opportunity, a home care franchise offers the perfect solution. At Bridgewater Home Care, we guide franchisees in launching their own territory while leveraging the strength of our trusted brand and proven business model.
Interested in finding out more? Contact us today by making an enquiry on our contact form, or call 01942 215 888.
