A game-changing franchise, build with the Franchisee in mind
Based upon past experiences in franchising, the Bridgewater Home Care franchise provides the opportunity to build a successful and sustainable business for the future, whilst truly reaping the benefits of flexibility and work-life balance.
Welcome to the Bridgewater Home Care Franchise
Bridgewater Home Care is a well-established domiciliary care brand with decades of experience in the health and social care sector.
Established in 2010, the business seeks to expand its presence in the marketplace through a network of strong, passionate and committed franchisees.
The brand has already expanded its regional presence with 3 pilot locations that have achieved years of success after implementing the Bridgewater Home Care model of privately funded care at home, specialising in the care of those living with a form of dementia.
“I am delighted that our first franchise partner has smashed revenue targets fourfold!” - Phil Eckersley – Owner of Bridgewater Home Care Franchise
Bridgewater Home Care are not only renowned for the quality of care delivered but the excellent working conditions for their care team.
This has been recognised after an independent survey carried out by Smith + Henderson rated the Employee Satisfaction at 98%. In addition the company has also won multiple awards for Employer of the Year, Wellbeing in the Workplace and Training and Development, and recently regional ‘Game Changer’ of the year.
“When we came across the Bridgewater Home Care Franchise opportunity, we were immediately attracted to their ‘family more than a company’ ethos.” - Franchisee
The Investment
The initial franchise fee is £35,000 (+ VAT) with the anticipated total investment required being in the region of £100,000 - £120,000 inclusive of the initial franchise fee.
Finance is available through the major banks or through third parties.
“Bridgewater Home Care are in a unique position of being a franchisor with hands on past experience of being a franchisee.” – Franchise Professional
What do you get for your investment?
Bridgewater Home Care will provide you with everything you need to start, operate and grow a successful and sustainable business.
- A tried-and-tested business model
- Your own protected territory in the UK
- In depth launch training
- Ongoing support, mentoring and visits
- Recruitment and retention support
- Your local website and marketing profile
- Comprehensive Operations Manual
- Policies and Procedures for every process in the business
- Compliance support to meet and exceed CQC requirements.
- Low monthly service fee
We provide all the operational essentials so you can focus on what is important, growing your business!
“I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and team.” - Franchisee
Who are we looking for?
- Someone who is willing to commit full-time to the business venture
- Those willing to trust in the franchise model, that has over a decade of success
- Those who are happy to collaborate and work closely with the national office team, for support and business development
- Motivated individuals who share our values and ethos
- Those with a strong desire to make a difference in the local community
Having fun is an important element to owning a Bridgewater Home Care franchise - we build this into everything that we do.
If you want to have an exciting and rewarding business with lots of opportunities to socialise and develop yourself as an individual, we are the franchise for you.
Our managing director and founder, Phil Eckersley, is a qualified in Strategic Leadership and will be on hand to guide you through your franchising journey.
The Market
The need for our services is self-evident. Everybody knows that the care market is one of the few that remain buoyant during adverse economic conditions.
What is important is that you have the right business model to capture the market and create a successful, sustainable long-term business. This is where Bridgewater Home Care are different.
The Rewards
With a Bridgewater Home Care Franchise you can be confident that you are investing into a business model with longevity and enormous potential.
You are never alone, we are always there to support you, share best practice and overcome any challenges.
You have a great opportunity to earn a substantial income by doing what you enjoy and doing it well. This opportunity finds the balance between social rewards and financial returns.
What Does a Franchise Usually Cost?
If you’re exploring the idea of joining a franchise, one of your first questions might be about the financial commitment involved.
For instance, you may wonder, “What do franchisees typically pay to the franchisor for the right to operate under their brand?”
The answer largely depends on the specific franchise you choose. However, at Bridgewater Home Care, we can provide a general figure to help you understand what kind of investment is required.
Keep reading to learn more about franchise fees, royalty payments, how they differ, and whether these costs are tax deductible.
What Do Franchisees Pay to Join a Franchise?
When joining a franchise, franchisees usually make an upfront investment called a franchise fee and also pay ongoing royalty fees or service fees on a regular basis.
For example, at Bridgewater Home Care, our franchisees pay an initial franchise fee of £35,000 plus VAT plus a monthly service fee set at 6% + VAT of their gross monthly revenue. Overall, the total working capital required ranges from £100,000 to £120,000.
Franchise Fees vs. Royalty Fees: What’s the Difference?
The key distinction between these two fees lies in their purpose and timing.
- Franchise Fee: This is a one-time payment made when you first join a franchise. It serves as your entry cost into the business and grants you access to the franchisor’s branding and proprietary systems.
- Royalty Fee: This is an ongoing payment made periodically (usually monthly or weekly) to cover access to franchisor resources such as training programs, software, and legal support.
Let’s dive deeper into each type of fee.
Franchise Fee: Your Initial Investment
Think of the franchise fee as your ticket to join an established business. This one-time payment gives you the right to operate under the franchisor’s brand and utilise their proven systems and processes.
Royalty Fees: Ongoing Support Costs
Royalty fees are recurring payments that fund the resources and support provided by the franchisor. These may include:
- Custom software
- Training programs
- Operational manuals
- Legal assistance
How Are Royalty Fees Calculated?
The calculation of royalty fees varies by franchise and industry. Typically, these fees range from 6% to 14% of your gross revenue or sales.
At Bridgewater Home Care, our royalty rate is 6% + VAT. For instance, if your gross revenue amounts to £100,000 in a given month, you would pay £6,000 plus VAT as your royalty fee.
Duration of Royalty Payments
Royalty fees are paid for as long as your franchise agreement remains active. These agreements typically last between 5 and 20 years, depending on the terms outlined in your contract.
Types of Royalty Fees
Franchise agreements may include different types of royalty structures:
- Fixed Percentage: A consistent percentage of gross sales.
- Increasing Percentage: Rates that rise based on factors like market demand.
- Decreasing Percentage: Rates that decrease as profitability improves.
- Fixed Fee: A flat payment regardless of sales volume (less common).
Some franchises may not charge royalty fees but instead require upfront payments for products or services.
Are Franchise Fees Negotiable?
In most cases, franchise fees are non-negotiable. Offering varying rates could create inconsistencies that harm the franchisor’s reputation. However, this can vary depending on the specific franchise agreement.
Are Franchise Fees Tax Deductible?
The initial franchise fee is considered a capital expense and is not tax deductible. However, ongoing royalty payments qualify as business expenses and can reduce your corporation tax liability.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond franchise and royalty fees, there may be other costs depending on your agreement:
- Marketing Fees: To boost visibility and attract customers.
- IT Support: Covering technology needs like software or hardware upgrades.
- Compliance Costs: Ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
Choosing the Right Franchise: Tips from Phil Eckersley
If franchising feels like the right path for you, how do you choose the best fit? Phil Eckersley, founder of Bridgewater Home Care and former franchisee himself, offers these tips:
- Assess Your Skills: Identify industries aligned with your experience or interests.
- Clarify Your Goals: Decide whether you're prioritising profit or community impact—or both.
- Research Support Levels: Look into what resources each franchise provides for success.
At Bridgewater Home Care, we offer extensive support from day one—including mentorship programs—to ensure our franchisees thrive in their exclusive territories.
Why Choose Bridgewater Home Care?
Joining Bridgewater Home Care means becoming part of an established brand with a strong reputation in health and social care. Our low-risk model allows entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact while running a profitable business.
When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- Guidance from our founder Phil Eckersley
- Advanced software systems
- Comprehensive marketing resources
- And much more!
Introducing the Bridgewater Home Care Franchise Opportunity
