Franchisee Profile: Kate Rich
Kate Rich considered a Franchise to give her back quality time with her young family, whilst giving her the opportunity to launch her own business with the support and knowhow of a well established brand that offered a personal high quality service. Kate purchased the Cambridgeshire Franchise at the beginning of 2018.
Here is what Kate says;
I decided to buy the Franchise as I believed there was a gap in the market in my area for a very personal nanny agency delivering high quality nannies. I was also personally seeking a new challenge that fitted around my two very young children and the idea of running my own business was hugely appealing. I met and spoke with a number of other nanny agencies but the decision to buy the Harmony at Home Franchise was an easy one.
How easy was the process to start up?
The initial start up was pretty straightforward – I was given a Franchise manual to follow on a daily basis which provides proven methods of working efficiently and effectively which have worked really well. There are lots of templates for emails and letters too which you can use so you don’t feel like you are starting everything from scratch which means you quickly get into a way of working which is efficient and quick.
What support and training have you had and what is it like?
In the early days particularly, I called on the support of Head Office when I had queries or when I just wanted a second opinion on something. This was hugely helpful and always made me feel like I wasn’t on my own which I think is crucial when you are setting up the business. The support is ongoing and I know I can always call or email if I need anything at all.
Kate Rich, Nanny Agency Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
How has the Harmony at Home Franchise changed your working life?
My working life has changed massively! I am now based at home which means that I can work around my own personal commitments and therefore I feel that I have a much better work: life balance which I had previously found hard to achieve.
What is it about the Harmony at Home Franchise that really works for you?
I enjoy the flexibility It gives me – being able to go to the gym during the day and walk my dogs. I can also pick up and drop off my children too which I’m so grateful for. I really enjoy the interaction I have with both nannies and clients – each day is different and can be challenging but it’s also really rewarding.
Why is Harmony at Home different to other recruitment agencies?
I think the focus on the service we offer to both families and nannies is personal, and we listen and understand their requirements so that we can help find the best possible match for them. Also, the fact that we are often available at the weekends and evenings and can bend around the needs of our families’ and nannies’ commitments.
How quickly did you recover your initial investment?
I had returned my investment after my first 6 months of trading.
Does your revenue generated exceed your expectations?
My revenue has exceeded my expectation. Although I am yet to finish my second year of trading, my revenue is set to have doubled my first year’s revenue.
What is it like to be a part of the Harmony at Home network?
It is really good to be part of the Harmony at Home network – knowing that the other Franchisees are in the same position as you and can help you with any queries and can share experiences is a real comfort.
What would you say to someone who is considering purchasing a Harmony at Home Franchise?
I would say to anyone considering buying a Franchise to go for it! It has been a great decision for me. It can present its challenges and can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster but it’s also very rewarding – both personally and financially. You can make it fit around your personal commitments and know that the more you can give the business in terms of time and effort the more you will get out.
Would you recommend purchasing a Harmony at Home Franchise to others?
Yes, I would recommend purchasing a Franchise to others. See above!
