An interview with Right at Home’s Amy Popat, the bfa’s Franchisee of the Year 2019
Published: 12 July 2019
Kev and Amy Popat run the million-pound-turnover Right at Home Solent office.
The Popats, who first approached Right at Home at the National Franchise Exhibition in 2016, are also Franchisees of the Year, scooping the prestigious title at the recent HSBC bfa Franchise Awards.
Business Franchise caught up with Amy after their win to find out more...
What did you do before joining Right at Home and why did you seek a change – and why franchising?
Kev was an accountant and I was an optometrist. We both always wanted to go into business, but didn’t want to continue in the professions we were trained in, as we wanted variety in our roles.
Franchising gave us the confidence to enter a completely new industry without the knowledge from the offset.
Why the care industry and why Right at Home?
Care had a natural pull as we both grew up in large families, and the ethos of providing quality care in the community that Right at Home have really spoke to us. We felt Right at Home stood by their promise of great quality care with processes that really made it possible to deliver.
What was the signing-up process like and how was business in the beginning?
Signing up was nerve-racking, having not owned any businesses before, and having no experience in the care industry meant we had to learn fast, but the support of the franchise gave us confidence.
In the end, franchise or not, you have to work really hard. In the first few years we were working round the clock to build the business, and we continue to work very hard to maintain our service levels, as well as achieve growth. But the satisfaction and fulfilment you get with the care industry, as well as running your own business, makes it all worthwhile.
Are there any standout moments?
Standout moments thankfully happen a lot in care. The feedback we get from clients, life-changing moments like helping clients achieve things they wouldn’t be able to, and generally improving people’s wellbeing on a daily basis are all amazing feelings.
Receiving our ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission was a huge win for the whole team, and a testament to the fantastic care being provided by our team.
How did it feel receiving your recent award from the British Franchise Association?
It was really unexpected, being such a young company. It was truly humbling. Our team work so hard, and the things they do for our clients and CareGivers are just amazing. Our CareGivers also go above and beyond every day, and this award was really a testament to what can be achieved when everyone works together with the same vision for quality care.
We were really happy for our own families, too! Both sets have worked hard in family businesses and have taught us a lot. My parents came to the UK as refugees and they were super proud of what hard work can achieve.
What are your plans for the future?
We hope to continue providing the level of service we have been able to achieve in our second territory, and grow our teams in both areas.
Any advice for others considering a similar path?
Our advice for new franchisees or those considering franchising is be willing to work hard and apply the guidance given, as well as look for opportunities in the area that you are in. Franchising is not just about following processes, you really have to graft to grow the business and build great teams.
