So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start your own franchise. You’ll be faced with lots of decisions as you progress on your business journey and one of the first things you need to think about is where your business will be based.”
Many people think that the decision lies with the franchisor. After all, when joining a franchise network like Domino’s or Subway, you have to rent a suitable space for your business. But this isn’t the case with all franchise operations. There are more than 900 franchised businesses in the UK and a lot of those businesses are home-based. Modern technology means we no longer have to be office-bound as businesses can be run from everywhere, whether that’s a swanky office or a garden shed.
Working from home is understandably a dream for many people. It means you can work flexible hours in a comfortable environment, avoid the daily commute and enjoy low overheads that can help you build a profitable business very quickly. However, some people make the incorrect assumption that people who work from home don’t work as hard or offer the same level of professional services or products as office-based businesses. If you’re worried that potential clients might make negative assumptions about your home-based business, it’s up to you to change their perceptions. You will be running a real business, so treat it like one. Designate a space for your business – a partitioned-off section of a room will do if you don’t have a spare room – and use a business mobile that has a voicemail service. It’s also worth installing a separate landline and answerphone for your business.
Nevertheless, it’s easy to let work take over your life when you’re working from home. Starting a new business means putting in long hours, so having an office in your home might make it more difficult to switch off and stop thinking about work issues. An external office can provide a completely separate space that won’t encroach on your personal life and will be free of distractions like friends dropping by for a cup of tea. If you’re worried about the costs of running an office, which can be quite high, you can always look into renting a serviced office.
A lot of entrepreneurs find it hard to differentiate their business needs from vanity. Most people would love to have a dedicated space where their surroundings reflect the brand but that won’t necessarily help the business grow. Ultimately, whichever decision you make, just make sure it’s the one that will give you and your business the best start. 
Karen Kelly
Prior to founding domestic cleaning franchise Cleanhome, Kelly enjoyed an illustrious career in the travel industry, which included a ten-year stint as head of UK & Ireland Sales at Virgin Atlantic. When's she's not busy growing a business or penning columns on customer service, Kelly spends her time reading, travelling or taking strolls with Leo, her beloved springer spaniel.
Karen Kelly
Prior to founding domestic cleaning franchise Cleanhome, Kelly enjoyed an illustrious career in the travel industry, which included a ten-year stint as head of UK & Ireland Sales at Virgin Atlantic. When's she's not busy growing a business or penning columns on customer service, Kelly spends her time reading, travelling or taking strolls with Leo, her beloved springer spaniel.
