Bluebird Care franchise owners soar to success

Summary of Operation

Bluebird Care is a management franchise, recruiting and managing care staff, who provide a high quality care service to individuals in their own homes.

Wishing to secure their professional and financial futures after being made redundant John and Jane Perry decided to purchase the Bluebird Care franchise in Edinburgh (South).

Two years after the couple bought their franchise, they are enjoying the benefits of running their own business and have expanded this with the purchase of a second territory in the north of the city.

"We love being the boss! After being made redundant I wanted to be in control of my own destiny and I have done that with Bluebird Care," enthuses Jane.

The couple first decided to go into the care at home sector when they were searching for someone to care for Jane's ill grandmother. Unable to find a care provider that would tailor care to her grandmother's needs, Jane saw the opportunity a business providing a high quality of care would offer.

Realising the benefits of joining a successful franchise network, John and Jane set about their research into the care franchises available. "We took our time to find the right business" explained Jane, "and when we met the staff at Bluebird Care we found the business we were looking for. For us the Company was head and shoulders above other care franchises on the market.

"With no previous care experience I was unsure if we would be able to run a Bluebird Care franchise successfully but with an established business model and excellent training, we soon discovered that we would be more than capable of doing just that. It was the individual care programmes which I found appealing, I wish this care was available when my grandmother needed it."

Upon joining Bluebird Care, the couple completed a four-month start-up programme, which included a one-week residential training course, where they received thorough business management and care industry training. Franchising is not only about the start up process though and the ongoing support and assistance John and Jane have received has met all their expectations. "Bluebird Care has got the balance of support and help right" said John. "Help is always available when we want it and we are in regular contact with franchise support staff."

"The business model is fantastic, it just continues to prove itself," says Jane. "In just two years we have built a business with a turnover of nearly £500,000 and have expanded into a second territory."The success John and Jane have had has not gone unrewarded. Apart from financial success, the business has won a string of awards. They were awarded Franchise Newcomer of the Year and Best Newcomer Care Business of the Year in Scotland last year.

This year has also seen their care manager, Gail Syratt, win Best Care Manager of the Year in Scotland at the recent Scottish Care Awards - the top care manager out of 777 others in Scotland!"We were so pleased with our awards, which recognised all our and our staff's hard work," reveals Jane.

John and Jane have no regrets at taking the leap into self employment. "There are always risks in starting a business," explains John, "but we reduced that risk by joining Bluebird Care with its successful track record. Nothing replaces hard work and it is hard work in getting your business established but you don't mind putting the effort into your own business and not someone else's! It goes without saying, the business model works. At the moment we are focusing on our new territory but if money dictates we would definitely consider expanding our business further. We are delighted to be able to help so many people and will continue to provide quality care for our customers but also build a profitable, successful business."

Reported by Tiffany Brooking