Grow your own business
Grow your own business
0 Comments | Daily Mail (London, England), The, April 19, 2010
Byline: by Linda Whitney
SPRING is here at last, and office workers are dreaming of a life outdoors. A franchise can provide it. Many franchised businesses can involve outdoor work, but before you apply, consider it carefully: franchisers expect you to work on your business in all kinds of weather.
Stephanie Boyd, head of franchising at lawn care firm LawnHopper, says: ‘Many people think lawn care franchises are just seasonal work, but, in fact, november to January, when franchisees aerate and scarify lawns, are our most profitable months.’
LawnHopper franchisees work from home, and the business offers professional treatments, aeration and machine scarification for green, weed and moss-free lawns.
A [pounds sterling]19,950 start-up cost includes training, initial customers, uniform, including wet-weather gear, and machinery and treatment materials needed to start the business. ‘Within three to four weeks of investing, you could be outside treating lawns,’ says Mrs Boyd.
Other franchise opportunities might offer a complete change of scene — such as running a campsite. Alan gibson, national franchise manager at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: ‘Our franchisees must be fit and healthy, enjoy the outdoor life — in all weathers — and like dealing with people face to face.’
Club franchisees come from all walks of life, he adds. ‘it appeals to people who want a complete change of lifestyle, to be their own boss, live in the country and to run their own campsite,’ he says. The growing trend for holidaying within the UK instead of abroad, especially camping, means the club is looking for more franchisees.
Potential franchisees need to be willing to live on site as they are on call 24 hours a day
home care franchise