From local authority housing manager to successful businesswoman – Sue Milakovic embodies the Bluebird Care success story.

 

After extensive research, Sue decided to be Bluebird Care’s first franchise owner back in October 2006, signing her Franchise Agreement during the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.

 

Since then, Sue has “grown” a successful care at home business in Cannock, West Midlands, which has been awarded the highest possible rating of three stars by health and social care services independent regulator the Care Quality Commission.

 

In the process she has created 30 jobs – while Bluebird Care have expanded rapidly, opening another 61 offices across the UK and Ireland.

 

Now Sue has returned to this years’ NEC National Franchise Exhibition to receive a bouquet from Bluebird Care’s managing director Paul Tarsey to celebrate her three successful years in business – and is planning to open another office in Stafford in the New Year.

 

She said: “It was a leap of faith at the time, as I was the first franchisee, but I liked the idea of putting something back into the community and it felt right. I looked at one other possible franchise but once I had met the Bluebird Care team I wanted to work with them. It is great to now be part of something much larger – like being part of a growing family!”

 

Sue was the first of what is now a successful network of 62 Bluebird Care offices, operating as franchises – reflecting the public’s growing requirement for quality care at home.

 

Previously a housing manager for a local authority, she opened her office in Broad Street, Cannock, and now has 30 staff and is planning a second office in nearby Stafford in the New Year.

 

Bluebird Care’s franchise director, Simon Dalziel, said: “We are delighted that Sue’s business has gone from strength to strength and that she will be expanding in the New Year – it’s a great success story.”

 

The Hampshire-based company recently celebrated its fifth birthday and currently operates in five countries – stretching from Cardiff to Canterbury and Limerick to Edinburgh.

 

Bluebird Care attributes a large part of its success to tailoring its care packages to mirror public demand; with the emphasis on a straightforward, professional approach and recognition of each customer’s individual needs.