For this Franchisor Interview, we spoke with Claire Robinson, Managing Director at Extra Help, to get a deeper insight into what makes the business a great option to choose fro a franchise.
Extra Help provides ad-hoc and regular home-help services to anyone who needs it, from new or working parents to working professionals and the elderly. Extra help has been operating its business and franchise since 2010 and is one to consider if you want to partner with a successful franchisor and benefit from an established business model.
How is Extra Help different from other Home Help franchises in the UK?
Extra Help was set up nine years ago as a home help business, the philosophy behind it is people living longer wanting to stay in their own homes, we provide services such as meal preparation, shopping services, cleaning, bed changing etc. We provide these services to anyone who needs them but the elderly has always been our passion.
There are many personal care companies out there and cleaning companies, we’re the middle man providing the non-CQC regulated services.
Why is it worth investing in an Extra Help franchise?
Extra Help is a low-cost franchise with high returns, the investment level is £10,000+VAT which you should easily recoup this within the first year. Franchisees are brining in £3,000 to £4,000 each month for themselves and our best performing franchisee is bringing in £5,500 per month after just 16 months of trading.
What is the best feedback you have heard about your brand?
We have many testimonials and reviews on our website from very happy clients. This was one we received recently for our Windsor and Maidenhead franchise
‘What a wonderful experience working with extra help. Nealem is warm, professional and has taken the time to work out a good match for our requirements. As a business concept, this is fantastic and has taken the normal stresses out of a home help situation. I look forward to continuing what is so far a wonderful working relationship’
How long does the process of becoming an Extra Help franchisee take?
As Extra Help is a home-based franchise the process can be very quick taking a minimum of a month to get a franchisee up and running, generally six weeks from our first conversation.
We work with everyone on an individual level, taking into account their individual needs/wants. It’s an easy concept to set up and run, we like to work within our new franchisee’s timetable, some like to just get going and some take longer.
What qualities does the ideal Extra Help franchisee possess?
A caring nature is essential, we pride ourselves on the service we provide to our clients, their needs are paramount to us. All our franchisees are passionate about Extra Help and provide excellent customer service. We’re very much an Extra Help family including, clients, home helpers and franchisees.
If you’ve never run a business before we give you excellent support with this, we have a dedicated Business Support Manager to help with all franchisee needs.
How much support and training is offered to your franchisees?
Initially, we offer two days training, we then provide the franchisee with an Extra Help mentor who works with them closely for the first three months, We have a yearly conference and regional meetups throughout the year. Head office is always on hand to provide continuous help/support.
In what ways do you help Extra Help franchisees achieve a healthy work-life balance?
As we’re a home-based franchise its very easy to have a good work-life balance especially for franchisees with children, you can choose the hours you work. Some of our franchisees build their business while they’re still working full time, bringing in an income while building up the business.
If you’re interested in starting your very own Extra Help franchise, please click the yellow button below.
