Walfinch Franchise Partners Embrace Community for Business Growth

In the small but vibrant community of Shepperton, Lyn Leagas and Angela Pinto are not just partners in business; they are a testament to the power of community engagement. The duo, well-recognized figures in their locale, have ingeniously woven their care services into the very fabric of local events. With volunteer stints at the local hospice charity shop and active participation in Rotary events, these franchisees embody the ethos of blending service with community spirit. This commitment recently culminated in their involvement with a charity fashion show and a local race evening, which saw Lyn donning a volunteer's hat while Angela sponsored a horse—a delightful mix of business and altruism.

Lyn reflects, "Being part of community events not only gives us joy but also amplifies our service reach incredibly. It creates connections, allowing potential clients and caregivers to familiarize themselves with us. Deciphering a care service isn't easy, and in a competitive environment, our reputation stands as our best marketing tool."

The trio, which also includes business partner Michelle Doyle, embarked on their Walfinch journey 18 months ago and have seen an impressive growth trajectory, currently employing a dedicated team of seven carers and catering to over 20 clients. Lyn emphasizes, "Our community marketing strategy thrives on visibility and positive word of mouth. We make an impression, and our engaged supporters carry the torch for us."

Local connections have proven invaluable, particularly with client referrals which often come from unexpected places—like the wife of a satisfied client who readily encourages others seeking care services to contact Lyn and Angela. Their friendship with local retirement home managers has further cemented their standing, resulting in regular referrals and a growing reputation.

As Lyn puts it, "Our work in the care industry is enriching as it allows us to make a genuine difference in our community. However, to maximize our impact and aid as many people as possible, we must focus on building a thriving business. Amrit Dhaliwal, the CEO of Walfinch, believes that achieving a £1 million turnover within three to five years is not only feasible but realistic, especially with the unwavering support from the corporate team."

Aiming to ascend to the highest-earning branch within the franchise network is the longer-term ambition for Lyn and Angela, who firmly believe in the strength of personal business connections. Amrit captures this sentiment succinctly, stating, "Nothing surpasses personal recommendations—they're far more powerful than any form of advertising, and most times, free!"

Aware that they cannot solely rely on referrals, Lyn and Angela strive to elevate their business profile actively—an approach that seems to resonate well with the community, clients, and aspirants alike.