Posted:13-January-2021
Caremark franchisee backed up by proven system
Franchisee: Sanjay Pancholi
Territory: Charnwood
Franchise: Caremark
1) Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?
We went down the franchise route after many months of deliberating between the two options. The advantages of going down the franchise route far outweighed the other options and it allowed us to concentrate 100% on getting the business off the ground with the assurance that we are being backed up by Caremark’s proven systems and procedures.
2) What did you do before taking up a franchise?
We looked at various franchises in other industries, not just Care and researched as to what the following 5 years would hold for the industry. It was pretty plain to see that Home Care will always be in demand and the Government stance on how best to deliver Care was playing right in to the strengths of Caremark. After choosing 3 Home Care Franchisors, we made appointments to meet with them all. Having met with them, it was felt that only Caremark ‘interviewed’ us and were satisfied that we could represent them in a thoroughly professional way.
3) How did you raise the finance?
We decided in the end not to go for any loans or finance agreements as we felt very confident in ourselves and the Caremark ‘Product’ and that we would see a return on our investment early on.
4) What training and support did you receive initially and on-going?
The original training was undertaken as a 2 week intense residential course at Caremark’s Central Support office in West Sussex. The in-house training course consisted of an introduction to the Care industry, the evolvement of the CQC and all the legislation that sits behind what we do on a daily basis, plus an in-depth study of the extensive Policies and Procedures which help safeguard not only the customer but us too! The course was very intense with the added pressure of an exam at the end of the two weeks. Failure to pass at this stage would have meant that our application could not have progressed any further! Fortunately our group achieved the highest average score on the final exam of 94%!
5) What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
I’m very disciplined in the hours that I need to put in to drive the business so I am the first one in and the last one to leave. The day would always start with a catch up with our registered care manager, Sonia Norman regarding where we are with the packages we have, i.e. are there any issues that need resolving etc. The biggest part of our time is devoted to recruiting Care & Support Workers and progressing them through from their interview, induction, training, Vetting & Barring check, practical training and getting them up to a ‘work ready’ stage. Then it’s all about speaking to the various commissioning agents to let them know that we have the capacity to take on more packages.
6) What challenges have you faced?
Probably the biggest challenge was getting to grips with the ‘Care Industry’ and its terminology and establishing who to market to within our local area. But with the support and backing of Caremark we were pointed in the right direction. I also thought that recruitment would be a big challenge but to my surprise, the quality and the numbers that we have recruited would be difficult, but there is a fabulous pool of potential labour within our area. One of the things that Caremark drum into you is that you should always have trained bank staff and we are proud to say that we have achieved this which in turn has meant that we have not had to turn any packages down.
7) Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Oh yes and for the better! Having the independence was always important to me and the franchise route allows me this. As all the Policies and Procedures are supplied by Caremark, this allows me to focus my time to recruit new staff and gain new business. I am very keen to be a very ‘hands on’ franchisee, especially in the initial stages as it allows me to understand my business and be a more effective manager.
8) What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
They would be best served by looking at themselves first and understand what they enjoy doing the most. Then establish whether this or indeed any other industry is right for them. Once that has been established, I would strongly advise that they meet with several Franchisors to get a feel of what they have to offer, how they feel about their brand and how they get on with them! They would also need to look at what they want to get out of the business and how much time and effort they want to put into the new venture. Just because it’s a Franchise, it does not mean that business will be handed to you on a plate!
They should also undertake a thorough research of competitors and the market with respect to pay rates, charge rates, working conditions etc. This is very important as it will help them formulate an accurate business plan and cash flow and help ‘set out their stall’ within their local market place.
Also, I would say that when they recruit a Care Manager, they involve their Support Manager in the recruitment process as this is a very important position within any Home Care Company and will really give their business a head start in getting it off the ground.
9) What are your plans for the future?
Like most of the other franchisees, I am very ambitious and the amount of potential growth within my territory is scary! I have set myself targets in the form of my business plan and to date I have exceeded my own expectations. I am now in a position in my business to add a Care Coordinator to my office team to enable the office to grow further with the addition of Field Care Supervisors when we hit our third milestone. I would also like to be registered with the CQC for the provision of Care & Support to Children and Young People which in effect will be like opening a whole new department; again massive opportunities within the same office and with the benefit of economies of scale.
10) Would you do it again?
Yes most definitely. Once I have achieved the above I am looking to open a new office in the adjoining territory and effectively starting from scratch again but this time I will have the benefit of my experience from the first branch!
Interested and want to know more about Caremark?
The Caremark basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
