A game-changing franchise, build with the Franchisee in mind
Established in 2010, Bridgewater Home Care is a well-established domiciliary care brand with decades of experience in the health and social care sector. The business seeks to expand its presence through a network of strong, passionate, and committed franchisees.
The brand has already grown regionally through three successful pilot locations and three franchised businesses, achieving years of success by implementing the Bridgewater Home Care model of privately funded care at home, specialising in supporting people living with dementia. Bridgewater Home Care is renowned not only for the quality of care delivered but also for excellent working conditions for its care team, recognised by an independent Smith + Henderson survey rating employee satisfaction at 98%. The company has also won multiple awards for Employer of the Year, Wellbeing in the Workplace, Training and Development, and was recently named regional ‘Game Changer’ of the Year.
“I am delighted that our first franchise partner has smashed revenue targets fourfold!” – Phil Eckersley, Owner of Bridgewater Home Care Franchise
To learn more about this franchise opportunity or request additional information about Bridgewater Home Care, click the ‘Request Free Information’ button now.
Reasons to Choose Bridgewater Home Care
Choosing Bridgewater Home Care means joining a trusted, UK-developed business with a proven track record of success and a real impact on people’s lives.
- Proven, UK-Tested Business Model – refined over years of operation and franchised since 2021, our system enables partners to deliver the same reliable, high-quality service nationwide.
- Comprehensive Training & Support – from day one, you’ll receive full guidance to help your business succeed, supported by a team that values care specialists, clients, and the local community alike.
- Exclusive Territories – launch in your local area with protection from competing franchises, backed by a strong and recognised brand.
- Cutting-Edge Technology – our industry-leading CRM, workflow automations and agentic AI-driven operational systems reduce admin, save time and money, and support CQC-compliant, high-quality care delivery, all while maintaining the high standards Bridgewater is known for.
- Strong Brand Reputation & Culture – recently awarded regional ‘Game Changer’, Bridgewater combines a vibrant, dynamic culture with a sustainable franchise model, enabling partners to grow a rewarding business while making a meaningful difference in their communities.
“I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and team.” - Franchisee
Bridgewater Home Care Investment Overview
The initial franchise fee is £20,000 (+ VAT), with the anticipated total investment required being in the region of £85,000 - £100,000 inclusive of the initial franchise fee.
Finance is available through the major banks or through third parties.
“Bridgewater Home Care is in a unique position of being a franchisor with hands-on past experience of being a franchisee.” – Franchise Professional
The Franchisee We’re Looking For
We’re seeking motivated individuals who want to make a real difference through care and community, including:
- Someone willing to commit full-time to the business venture Those willing to trust in the franchise model, which 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
“When we came across the Bridgewater Home Care Franchise opportunity, we were immediately attracted to their ‘family more than a company’ ethos.” – Franchisee
The Market Opportunity for Bridgewater Home Care
The demand for home care is self-evident. The care market remains buoyant even during challenging economic conditions. What’s crucial is having the right business model to capture this market and build a successful, sustainable long-term business. This is where Bridgewater Home Care stands apart.
Start Your Franchise Journey with Bridgewater Home Care
Starting a Bridgewater Home Care franchise gives you:
- The chance to be your own boss in a purpose-driven industry
- Proven systems and technology to streamline your business
- Ongoing training, guidance, and marketing support
- A supportive network of fellow franchisees
Take the first step today
To find out more about this franchise opportunity, or to request further information about Bridgewater Home Care, click on the ‘Request Free Information’ button now:
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
