Written by The Daily Mail added to the archive on 9th Sep 2008
Keywords: 'family business, franchise success, daily mail'

The Relative Benefits

Business can be a family affair. Many franchises and outlet opportunities welcome approaches from family members – but think hard first, for it can also be a route to rows at home.

‘Going into business with family members can be very satisfying, and my clients often talk about the sense of pride and belonging that they feel as a result.’ Says Mark Evans head of family business at Coutts bank.

‘At the same time, there is more at stake. It is not just the business that can suffer if communications break down. Family members can feel trapped and relationships can be ruined if they are not properly managed.’

‘Think carefully about whether you work well together’ says David Truby of lawn care franchise Greensleeves. Greensleeves franchises include several pairs of brothers and two father son teams, plus one where the father works with his son and two daughters.

‘Remember experiences of working together on joint projects such as family holidays. If it was hell, think twice about setting up in business together. Also evaluate your family’s business skills. Some people are good at administration, some prefer marketing and others are more practical types.

Check you have the range of complimentary skills to suit the business you want to set up and once you start respect each others expertise and let them get on with the job’ says Mr Truby.

‘It helps if your roles are firmly defined’, says Mark Ryland, who, with his wife Liz owns the Mr Electric franchise in South West London. Mark is a former electrician while Liz had accountancy training.

Mark says the secret of the couple’s success is their ability to work closely but in different roles. Liz looks after the financial side while I take on a more practical role.

Family businesses are not always a bed of roses, as Mark adds ‘as with any company, we have had disagreements but unlike business partners you don’t have the opportunity to cool down, spend some time apart and think it through.’

Trudy and Nick Route run a Garage Conversion Franchise in Bedford, and their three sons, Michael, 33, Gary 25 and 23 year old Andrew.

Within six months of Nick and I starting the business, the boys were on board. Says Trudy. It makes sense because Michael is a carpenter, joiner and double glazing fixer, Gary’s a plasterer and Andrew is a plumber. Trudy uses her sales experience, Nick concentrates on surveys and the boys are part of the conversion team.

Working as a family has benefits. You trust each other and everyone is more committed because it’s personal. Says Trudy. Customers like it – some have chosen us because we are a family business.

Trudy advises others thinking of working with their family ‘look at the skills you all have and find a business that will use them all’

Phil Bateman of the Garage Conversion Company, where franchises cost £23,995 says ‘We welcome family franchises’

Click to read see the Daily Mail article from the 7th July 2008