Franchise Owner
On the outside, she is a busy mother of two; ferrying her children, from one place to another, just like any other parent at the school gate! However, when the children are away, Philippa reveals a hidden secret. As well as being a busy mum, who is always available when her children need her, Philippa Day is also an extremely successful businesswoman.
So, how does Philippa achieve such superhuman feats? The answer is clear: as well as being a dedicated mum, Philippa is also the proud owner of the Harmony at Home Berkshire and Oxfordshire Franchises.
Philippa’s long and distinguished path to superhero status began in 1994, when she qualified as a Chiltern Nanny. She then spent two decades building her reputation as a world class nanny, working in the UK and overseas.
Philippa decided to become her own boss, and purchased the Harmony at Home Berkshire Franchise in 2014. And she hasn’t looked back since! Having recovered her initial investment within four months, she has now acquired the Oxfordshire Franchise and renewed her Berkshire Franchise for a further 5 years.
And the moral of the story…with the right business formula, combined with a lot of hard work and dedication, any mum can become a Supermum!
Franchise Owner
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.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
"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."
"I had returned my investment after my first 6 months of trading."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Yes, I would recommend purchasing a Franchise to others. See above!"
Franchise Owner
I am Zoe and I own Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Somerset and Bath. I bought the Somerset and Bath Franchise in April 2018. I was looking for a new challenge, having been in childcare for over 27 years. I have lived in Somerset all my life so it seemed the obvious territory to buy. I wanted a better work life balance, having worked full time for 27 years. After meeting Frankie for the first time it seemed an easy decision to buy the franchise, she had the same work ethic and high standards of care as me.
Harmony at Home provided me with training on how to run the Franchise which was helpful, although being a Norland Nanny myself and having had responsibilities for recruitment in a previous job, some of the information was just a reminder. The support from Frankie, Head Office and the other Franchisees is exceptional, it is always good to know that there is someone at the end of the phone when needed, it is a good network.
Harmony at Home has brought a better work life balance and means I can spend quality time with my husband and our dog. There are times that are full on but others where you can work it around your life and family. I love working for myself and meeting all my nannies and clients; making the right match is so rewarding. I have such lovely feedback from clients saying they love the personal touch of me going to meet them. Building the relationships with the nannies and the clients is vital to making the franchise a success.
"I recovered my initial investment within a year and the generated revenue is in line with my expectations, and so I recommend buying a Harmony at Home Franchise to others."
Franchise Owner
I am Jo and I own Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Buckinghamshire. ‘Looking after children has always been my passion’ Jo explains. With an incredible 15 years of Nanny experience herself, coupled with high level Office Management skills, 2021 found Jo feeling ready for a new challenge. Keen to find a way to combine her talents Jo launched our Buckinghamshire Franchise, recouping her initial investment in just 3 months.
When asked why she opted for a Harmony at Home Franchise Jo describes the brand as "a good one" - established and with a high quality polished feel.
Although there was a lot to take on board in the first few months of running her business Jo explains how it is now second nature. Her candidates and clients often express how much they appreciate her prompt communication, organisation and keen eye for detail. On a day to day basis Jo loves the autonomy and flexibility of running her own business. "If I have the opportunity to meet a friend for coffee, I can - I am not tied to my desk", Jo smiles. She is also able to walk the dog and maintain her fitness with regular running.
"Jo described the onboarding process as seamless, "Frankie has an excellent way of explaining things". And whilst the training materials continue to be a useful source of information Jo knows that the Harmony at Home team, including other franchisees are always on hand to lend an ear. "I really enjoy being part of the Harmony at Home network - having the others at the end of the phone if needed. I enjoy the video calls - we can give each other advice and just get to know each other better. They are a great team."
Would Jo recommend joining Harmony at Home as a franchisee? "I would definitely say to go for it! It is an enjoyable, flexible and well paid role - what's not to like?"
Rebecca Faraday - Leeds and Northwest Yorkshire