Everyone here at Extra Help is delighted to welcome our latest franchisee, Julia Ransome, who is now running the new Exeter franchise. Here’s Julia’s story …
As Office Manager for a top food testing laboratory for several years, Yorkshire-based Julia was responsible for managing all of the administrative activities that facilitated the smooth running of the organisation, as well as being the first point of contact for customers.
Prior to this, Julia had run a business with her husband and little did she realise how transferable and useful her skills would prove to be once she decided to invest in an Extra Help franchise.
When the laboratory was subjected to several takeovers, the working environment changed significantly and Julia decided that the time was right to move on and try something new, especially as she had also decided to move to Exeter to be close to her family.
Although she was extremely keen on running her own business, Julia felt it would be a safer option to invest in a franchise as she knew that this meant she would have access to a proven business model, training and support.
“I wanted a franchise because I was starting up on my own and felt that it would be quicker and easier” she says. “The business model is already in place and the groundwork has been done for you.“
“After some online research, Julia discovered the Extra Help 4-in-1 franchise opportunity!”
Although she had not been specifically searching for a home help or cleaning franchise, Julia was immediately attracted by our company’s ethos.
“I could see that their objective was very clear: to enable elderly people to stay in their own homes, as well as to help anyone else who needed assistance in their daily lives and this seemed to me to be an incredibly useful service for which there would always be a requirement” she says.
Julia was determined not to rush into choosing the first franchise that came along and considered her options very carefully before making her decision.
“I looked at various franchises, but it was important to me that the one I chose wasn’t just about sales” says Julia. “I’m good on the phone, I like dealing with people and wanted to be able to establish long-term relationships with my clients. Extra Help seemed to tick all the boxes.“
Having completed her training in July, Julia has been extremely impressed with the support she has received from us so far. As well as comprehensive training, she received free, local advertising as part of the franchise package, which generated enquiries before she had even officially started, giving her further confidence that this was indeed a viable service.
Julia believes that we provide an unsurpassed level of support, particularly from our Franchise Manager, who even accompanied her to a networking event in Exeter to help her get started, gave her additional social media advice and is always available to answer questions and offer support if required.
The most valuable advice that Julia can offer to potential franchisees is to follow the business model and seek to build relationships with other franchisees, who can provide invaluable advice based on their own experience.
“Stick to the business model as it has already been proven to work and follow their advice to the best of your ability” she says. “Also, by engaging with other franchisees, you really feel like you’re part of a team, rather than on your own.“
Now that her business has officially launched, Julia is thoroughly enjoying her work, particularly meeting with new clients and home-helpers.
“I would like to focus primarily on the elderly to start off with” she says, “but I am promoting all of the Extra Help services as I don’t want to rule anything out at this stage! I will be following up every lead that I receive and make sure my clients and home-helpers always feel valued and looked after.“
“What a fantastic start for Julia!”
We’re so pleased to have Julia on board and we look forward to helping her grow Extra Help Exeter into thriving and successful business. If you’re interested in franchising your area, call us on 0845 618 2904 or click here to find out more about our 4-in-1 franchise opportunity.
Until next time …
CLAIRE ROBINSON
PS:Why not visit www.extra-help.co.uk and find out more?