01752 905790
info@extra-help.co.uk
If you’re looking to invest in a franchise, there are many benefits to buying an existing one, rather than starting from scratch in a totally new territory. Usually, the business has been trading for at least two years and has developed a significant amount of goodwill and brand recognition. That’s why Xander Yeboah, from Brookman’s Park, near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, decided to buy the existing Extra Help Barnet franchise when it recently came up for sale.
Extra Help Barnet re-launched at the end of June 2024 and serves the following areas:
EN4 – Cockfosters, Hadley Wood and East Barnet Village
EN5 – Barnet
EN6 – Potters Bar
NW7 – Mill Hill
N12 – North Finchley
N20 – Totteridge and Whetstone
WD6 – Elstree and Borehamwood
WD7 – Radlett and Shenley
A caring couple with genuine compassion for others
Xander has extensive experience in the care industry, previously managing various residential care homes.
He says: “I worked in the care industry for many years and, therefore, fully appreciate the importance of helping elderly and vulnerable people maintain their independence, whilst being treated with dignity and respect.”
However, Xander hasn’t embarked on this journey alone. He is managing his new home-help franchise alongside his partner, Sandra, a professional actor with a passion for helping others. Sandra’s personal experience with family and friends who are dealing with dementia reinforces her commitment to providing reliable, trustworthy assistance.
Why did Xander and Sandra choose Extra Help?
Xander and Sandra originally considered buying a domiciliary care franchise, but found them to be laden with bureaucracy. Extra Help, with its focus on home-help services, rather than personal care, perfectly aligned with their vision. They wanted to make a difference in their local community without compromising on quality.
Going the extra mile
Extra Help Barnet prioritises home-help services over domestic cleaning. Their mission is clear: to support vulnerable and elderly people, who are living independently but don’t require personal care.
With regards to how business roles and responsibilities are split, Sandra feels she is more ‘front of house’ at Extra Help Barnet, while Xander runs the business behind the scenes. They intend to set themselves apart by running a very tight ship with high standards, ensuring every client interaction upholds Extra Help’s kind and caring ethos.
She says: “I would always want my family members and friends to be in safe, reliable hands, and Extra Help customers deserve the same standards. My aim is to take my home-helpers along to every introductory meeting, then gain honest feedback from the client afterwards. I never want an elderly or vulnerable client to feel bullied or coerced into choosing someone that they don’t want.”
High standards and continuous improvement
Xander and Sandra maintain extremely high standards. They gather robust, ongoing feedback from clients and their families, ensuring services meet individual needs and expectations. They also provide comprehensive training for all of their home-helpers on how to speak to and treat clients, as well as ensuring they train to be Dementia Friends, so they understand the disease and are well equipped to support client needs.
Extra Help Barnet is fully insured and all of their home helpers are personally interviewed, and DBS and reference-checked, to provide clients with extra reassurance.
Their journey so far
Since taking over Extra Help Barnet, Xander and Sandra have hit the ground running, with an initial leaflet drop of 6,000 leaflets and advertising in local doctors’ surgeries. As well as recruiting a few home-helpers, they have already acquired several clients, including a remarkable lady who is over 100 years old and lives in sheltered accommodation. Extra Help Barnet provides her with transport, companionship, and light housework.
Sandra recently found another client through chatting to someone at a hairdressing salon, proving that, sometimes, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time! She also plans to join a local networking group to raise Extra Help Barnet’s profile in the local area.
What support do Xander and Sandra receive from Extra Help?
They say the support from Extra Help has been superb so far. They have received full training and already gained valuable insights from joining the ‘Power Hour’ every week (a weekly, virtual meeting for franchisees to discuss any issues or concerns, ask questions and receive advice from their peers).
Extra Help Barnet’s services include, but are not limited to:
- Companionship – popping in, spending time, or providing respite for carers
- Domestic cleaning, tidying, laundry, and ironing
- Shopping
- Transport to supermarket, doctors, hospital appointments, hairdressers etc.
- Meal preparation
- Household jobs
- Spring cleaning
- School runs and help for parents
- Gardening and DIY
- Assistance to social events
- Dog walking
- Household maintenance
Find out more about how Extra Help Barnet can help you and your loved ones.
We wish Xander and Sandra all the best for their exciting journey, and look forward to celebrating their successes in future blog posts! ✨
More information
Do you have a passion for helping others? If you would like to run your own, rewarding, home-help and cleaning franchise, offering valuable services to your local community, consider joining our Extra Help family!
To find out whether your local area is available, give us a call on 01752 905790 or visit our website.
