There are several franchise options for people who want a career outside of the office-based environment, ranging from health and fitness, and fashion, to childcare and cleaning.
As well as the potential for good financial rewards, a home-based franchise offers freedom and flexibility, enabling work to fit in with family life and other personal commitments.
The ideal place to go to find out more about franchising is the National Franchise Exhibition, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on October 3 and 4, 2008.
Sponsored by Express Newspapers, the UK’s foremost franchise exhibition showcases a huge selection of business opportunities for anyone considering becoming their own boss.
Exhibitors at this year’s event will include a number of home based opportunities, such as Action International, City-Local, Britnett, Maid2Clean, MiBod, New York City Nails, On My Door Step, Planet Beach, Riverford Organic Vegetables, Salad Creation, Shoes Galore, and Tumble Tots.
Motivation & Co, a specialist provider of motivation and exercise classes for the elderly in nursing and residential homes, will also be there.
It was at last year’s National Franchise Exhibition that Jane Bell and Steven Proffitt recognised Motivation & Co as an ideal home-based business opportunity, and just four weeks later, had their own franchise up and running.
Mr Proffit had worked as a mental health nurse for nearly 20 years and was desperate to do something different.
He said: “I came across the Motivation & Co almost by accident at the show, but after speaking to the franchisor, I knew that this was something I could enjoy and do well. As a single dad, I was looking for a business that would offer me a good work-life balance as well as offering a good financial return.”
The pair are already looking to employ their first member of staff and making plans to expand.
Jane Bell added: “I have had a fantastic response from homes in the Coventry and Leicester area, which I believe is due to the impact we have on the care home managers and staff when they see residents who wouldn’t normally get involved start to take an interest and join in.
“I am a very ambitious person and want to be in a position to offer this service to every care home within the West Midlands.”
The National Franchise Exhibition, incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference, is open from 10am each day closing at 5pm on Friday October 3, and 4pm on Saturday October 4.
For more information visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk.