##Care Managers Fuel Micro Franchise Demand
Care managers are helping to fuel demand for the sector’s first ever micro franchises.

SureCare, which only launched its new franchise offer last month, says it has received “dozens” of enquiries from people currently working as care managers.

The company says it is aiming to get its first micro franchisees up and running within a matter of weeks.

The micro franchises – known as SureCare Local - will be able to offer a range of unregulated services including home services such as DIY, gardening and cleaning, as well as babysitting and a mobile crèche service for weddings and other events.

The cost of becoming a SureCare micro franchisee will be from £7,000 covering a population of around 100,000 people. This compares to the £28,000 cost of the full SureCare franchise covering a much wider geographic area and offering care services regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).Gary Farrer, Managing Director of Chester-headquartered SureCare (pictured right), said: “We knew we had a proposition that would appeal to people working in management roles in the care sector, but we did not quite expect the level of interest we have seen since we launched the micro franchise offer last month.

“There are a number of factors driving the interest from care managers. The £7,000 entry level cost of becoming a micro franchisee is one factor, but just as important is the ability to give great care, run their own business and receive industry-leading guidance and support.

“The micro franchises are genuinely ground-breaking, providing a range of services on a far more localised level than the traditional franchise which covers a much wider territory.

“Another incentive is the number of Government schemes available to help both young and older people start up in business.

“Each micro franchisee will receive ongoing support of an experienced head office team in Chester who are able to advise on areas such as sales, marketing, finance, HR and operations.”
SureCare, which was founded in 1994, currently has 27 franchises and three branches in England.

The company was traditionally a provider of personal care and support (otherwise known as domiciliary care), but over the last 18 months has expanded into home services, child care and holiday and respite care.
Gary Farrer added: “The care sector is going through enormous change and we are responding by looking to continually innovate and develop new services and ways to meet the needs of our communities.”