Since opening her North Tyneside Bluebird Care office six months ago, Julie McLellan’s business has gone from strength to strength.  She is almost 200% above her targets and is well on the way to establishing a successful and profitable business providing high quality care at home.

Having spent most of her career in Estate Agency Management, Julie was ready for a change.

‘As a branch manager, I was very successful’ she explained ‘however I was not getting the job satisfaction I longed for.  I wanted to be my own boss and build my own business, instead of helping other people build theirs.  I was ready for a new and exciting challenge’ she added 

Julie was looking for a business where she could satisfy her drive for providing the best quality customer service.   Having experienced first-hand, the poor quality of care at home being provided in her local area, she knew that the care industry was where she could make the greatest impact. It would satisfy her desire to provide a first class service and give something back to her community, whilst providing plenty of opportunity to have a profitable business.

Julie takes up the story ‘I was looking to be part of an established, successful brand and a business that was held in high regard, providing support and commitment to the franchise owner.  I carried out many weeks of research into the care industry and from my research on Bluebird Care, they ticked all the boxes for me. When I then met them I concluded that the company was operated in a very professional way and had an excellent reputation in the care sector. It was a Brand I wanted to be part of and I was confident to change direction and become a franchise owner.

With their team of six regionally based Business Development Managers, Bluebird Care’s support to their franchise owners is second to none. The ‘First stage support’ happens within 48 hours of signing the franchise agreement.  This initial support is the hand-holding stage required to get new franchise owners registered with the relevant regulated body and getting them trading.

Julie explains ‘The Northern based business development manager made contact with me within a few hours and answered all of my initial burning questions. He then assisted me to find my office, helped with key staff recruitment and marketing and ensured I was successfully registered with the Care Quality Commission’.

‘He now visits me on a regular basis for on-going advice and guidance. There have been times when I have needed more help than others and it is reassuring to know that it is there if needed.’ She added

Six months on, Julie is delighted with the performance of her new business

‘I love this business it gives me the freedom to work the hours that suit my family life, although I am reluctant to stay away, as the excitement of being successful is a big draw. My plan going forward is to grow my business at a steady pace and make sure that the quality of the care remains at the highest standard.   I am following the Bluebird Care model and the results speak for themselves’ she concluded.