The quality home care business supports people to overcome the challenges of old age and disability, and remain living independently in their own homes.

And their first franchisee, who began trading in Sutton & Epsom in late 2011, is proving that the Right at Home business model really does maximise the potential of the UK marketplace.

Tim Haigh opened his office around September 2011 and his annualised turnover is already nearing the £500,000 mark.

UK MD Ken Deary said: “After a measured start, Tim’s business has really taken off - he is predicting to be delivering up to 1000 hours of care per week by the end of the year, which will be a fabulous result in just over two years trading.”

A former Head of Communications for a multinational publishing company, Tim discovered the Right at Home opportunity after researching franchises through the British Franchise Association, looking at a number of options that fitted his criteria before deciding where his future lay.

He said: “I had several good offers to stay in corporate life, but I knew I wanted to be my own boss, running a company with real potential in a growing sector. Being an owner in the Right at Home network has given me that opportunity. More importantly, though, it has allowed me to make a positive difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of my local community, which is extremely satisfying.”

Ken added: “After a challenging first year, which is to be expected in any new business, Tim has got his business well-organised, he can make time for himself and his family and has achieved the really good life balance that he was seeking after his last job.

“It’s a fantastic success story – there is healthy competition around him but new business is coming in all the time, and Tim has even begun planning for a potential second territory.”

Right at Home offers its franchisees unparalled levels of training, support and mentoring, working closely with them in every area of office start-up and business development.

The franchisees showed their appreciation of this support by giving the company a 97% rating in an independent satisfaction survey, resulting in Right at Home becoming a finalist in its first year of entering the Best Franchise Awards.