{"id":26478,"date":"2025-11-18T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T11:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/?p=26478"},"modified":"2025-11-18T08:03:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T08:03:55","slug":"balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Balance matters: why in-person franchisor contact is more important than ever"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/#online-connections-efficient-but-not-the-full-story\" >Online connections: efficient, but not the full story<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/#the-power-of-being-in-the-room\" >The power of being in the room<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/#training-that-delivers\" >Training that delivers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/#what-it-says-about-a-franchisor\" >What it says about a franchisor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/balance-matters-why-in-person-franchisor-contact-is-more-important-than-ever\/#finding-the-right-balance\" >Finding the right balance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>Five years after the pandemic transformed how we work and learn, businesses are still trying to strike the right balance between online and face-to-face interaction. Although online meetings and virtual training have become second nature, two fifths (41%) of businesses have increased their expectations for in-person working over the past year1. So, there\u2019s growing recognition \u2013 across industries \u2013 that nothing replaces time spent in person.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the same in franchising. For franchisees, the mix of online efficiency and in-person connection can make all the difference. And if a franchisor isn\u2019t offering any in-person training or support in today\u2019s landscape, that should raise serious questions.<\/p>\n<p>This is exactly why tutoring franchise Tutor Doctor reintroduced in-person training in 2025 \u2013 and, as the brand\u2019s global president Frank Milner explains, the impact has been remarkable.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"online-connections-efficient-but-not-the-full-story\"><\/span><strong>Online connections: efficient, but not the full story<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the great legacies of the pandemic has been how natural it now feels to jump online for updates and meetings. Platforms make it easy to connect quickly, share resources on demand and keep everyone in the loop \u2013 no matter where they\u2019re based. For example, at Tutor Doctor, we host monthly calls with our UK network online and consistently see fantastic attendance, with almost all of our UK franchisees joining in.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a brilliant way to save time, cut travel costs \u2013 especially valuable for international franchise operations \u2013 and to ensure franchisees never feel out of touch.<\/p>\n<p>But while online meetings tick all the boxes for speed and efficiency, they can\u2019t quite replicate the human connection. There\u2019s certainly no substitute for the trust, confidence and sense of community that comes from spending real time together, face-to-face.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-power-of-being-in-the-room\"><\/span><strong>The power of being in the room<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As we\u2019ve established, online connections are helpful, and keep everything moving, but it\u2019s the in-person moments that really deepen relationships. When franchisors and franchisees come together face-to-face, the conversations are richer, feedback is immediate, and ideas bear fruit more naturally. There\u2019s also something special about the peer-to-peer learning that happens when franchisees share experiences in real time.<\/p>\n<p>Being physically present really does build a genuine sense of community and belonging \u2013 the kind that can\u2019t be replicated on a screen. At Tutor Doctor, we see this in action with our Going for Growth group of franchisees: a peer performance group formed of the UK\u2019s leading franchisees, where meetings in person have fostered stronger bonds, shared ambitions and the kind of support that drives long-term engagement and success.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"training-that-delivers\"><\/span><strong>Training that delivers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to learning the ropes, nothing beats being there in person. Practical skills and role-modelling simply work best in the field, not on a screen. That\u2019s why our decision to reintroduce in-person training has been such a game-changer \u2013 the results have been, quite literally, off the charts.<\/p>\n<p>Franchisees report feeling confident much faster, delivering stronger performance from the outset and experiencing higher levels of satisfaction. For new recruits, the value of real-world practice alongside experienced team members can\u2019t be overstated.<\/p>\n<p>Our immersive five-day, in-person training in Canada gives every new franchisee the chance to learn, try and refine their approach in a supportive environment \u2013 and the feedback so far has been fantastic.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-it-says-about-a-franchisor\"><\/span><strong>What it says about a franchisor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A franchisor that relies solely on digital training risks sending the wrong message \u2013 that they\u2019re cutting corners or avoiding meaningful investment in a critical stage of a franchisee\u2019s journey with the brand. Franchisees are quick to recognise the differences between efficiency and genuine commitment.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why a blended approach matters so much. It demonstrates that the franchisor values more than just convenience; they\u2019re invested in their franchisees\u2019 long-term success. By striking the right balance between online efficiency and in-person connection, franchisors show they view the relationship as a true partnership \u2013 one that\u2019s built to last.<\/p>\n<p>It also reflects broader workplace trends, where people increasingly expect at least some face-to-face interaction. In franchising, that balance is a clear marker of a franchisor\u2019s integrity and vision for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"finding-the-right-balance\"><\/span><strong>Finding the right balance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For modern franchising, balance is essential. Online platforms bring efficiency and convenience, but it\u2019s the in-person touch that builds lasting confidence, stronger relationships and real community.<\/p>\n<p>Franchisees should look for brands that invest in both, because that blend is what drives sustainable success. Tutor Doctor\u2019s experience proves the point: when the balance is right, franchisees thrive \u2013 and their businesses grow stronger as a result.<\/p>\n<p>To discover more about Tutor Doctor\u2019s award-winning franchise model and how you can make a difference to the lives of local students, simply click the button below to get in touch<\/p>\n<p>1 Data source: British Chambers of Commerce, Office returns, Aug 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five years after the pandemic transformed how we work and learn, businesses are still trying to strike the right balance between online and face-to-face interaction. Although online meetings and virtual training have become second nature, two fifths (41%) of businesses have increased their expectations for in-person working over the past year1. So, there\u2019s growing recognition [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":26479,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,1063],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-education-franchises","category-tutor-doctor"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/TD-PR-Image-Nov-25.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26478\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}