01752 905790
info@extra-help.co.uk
This week’s blog happens to coincide with Extra Help’s birthday – we’re 12 years old! We’re pleased to say we’ve had another fantastic year of growth; our network has expanded to more areas of the country with the launch of several new franchises, and Extra Help’s home-help services are more in demand than ever!
Our latest new franchisee is Zaynab Donoghue. Zaynab is the proud owner of Extra Help Epping & East Herts, which launched at the beginning of October and provides home-help and cleaning services to the CM16 – CM24 and SG10 – SG14 postcodes.
Zaynab lives in Bishops Stortford with her husband, James, and their two young sons, Adam and Connor. Prior to becoming an Extra Help franchise owner, Zaynab worked as a school administrator and, more recently, ran her own, online business for six years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zaynab began to rethink her career options. A friend, who owns a children’s football franchise, suggested franchising could be a suitable option for her, as she would have access to a proven business model and support to grow her business.
Zaynab found Extra Help while researching franchises on Franchise Direct. She says it instantly appealed to her because of the wide range of services you could potentially offer, particularly to parents.
She says: “Extra Help stood out to me primarily because of the Parents’ Help element. Being a mum of young children, I know lots of mums who are struggling and crying out for help. I’m in my first week and already have two potential clients for Parents’ Help on my waiting list!”
Once Zaynab had chosen Extra Help, it only took two weeks to become a franchisee. She was immediately trained and her business is now up and running. She says that she’s receiving excellent, ongoing support from her mentor, Denise Cooper, owner of Extra Help Rickmansworth & Watford, Leighton Buzzard & Hemel Hempstead.
As soon as Extra Help Epping & East Herts launched, Zaynab started promoting her new business via leaflet drops, Facebook and followed Denise’s advice to sign up to Herts County Council as a referral partner, which she made a priority. She has also placed a quarter page advert in the local newspaper.
Fortunately for Zaynab, she knows lots of people in Bishops Stortford and several friends and businesses have agreed to display her leaflets, including a lady she knows who runs a knitting supplies market stall and has many elderly clients.
Although it’s very early days, Zaynab has already recruited two home-helpers and has several more in the pipeline. She intends to attract clients who need a range of home-help services, particularly parents but also the elderly. Zaynab has trained to become a Dementia Friend, enabling her to learn more about the disease and understand how she can provide the best support to affected clients within her community.
Extra Help Epping & East Herts offers a wide range of home-help and domestic services, including:
- Help and support for busy parents such as babysitting, meal preparation, tidying and cleaning, school runs, helping out at birthday parties and caring for children during school holidays.
- Companionship – spending time with clients and providing respite for carers
- Transport to and assistance with appointments and social events
- Meal preparation
- Shopping services
- Domestic cleaning, including end of tenancy, spring and deep cleans.
Zaynab says: “As a mum of two young boys, I already know how hard it is to find flexible, wraparound childcare, particularly in this area. Most nannies and childminders want clients to commit to lots of hours but, as our helpers are part-time, we can be flexible and provide help in 3-hour blocks, or whatever’s needed.”
“Every helper I recruit to work with children will not only be DBS-checked, but will also likely be a mum or grandma themselves and will genuinely love working with kids. I wouldn’t leave my kids with just anyone and my clients can expect the same high standards!”
If you’re a busy parent in the Epping or East Herts area and need a helping hand, click here to find out more about how Zaynab and her team can help you with everyday tasks, from school runs and babysitting, to meal preparation and companionship. You can also call 07715 141488 or email zaynab@extra-help.co.uk.
If Zaynab’s story has inspired you and you’d like to learn more about owning a successful and rewarding home-help and domestic cleaning franchise, give us a call on 01752 905790 to find out if your area is available.
You can also click here for more information on the Extra Help franchise opportunity.
