Quick expansion at MagiKats in Fleet for a local working mum
Opening the MagiKats Fleet Centre in October 2015, Lindsey Falconer reflected if she advised someone considering MagiKats or new franchise opportunities, she’d say: “If they understand the USPs of MagiKats, and think it sounds like a good programme, then it’s probably something they can sell.”
New Fleet franchisee builds enrolments
Having grasped the MagiKats philosophy, the next thing Lindsey considered before taking on a franchise was being a mum of one. Looking after toddler Leo and MagiKats Fleet fills up many hours of the week. After only running six months, Fleet has 25 enrolments and is running workshops two days per week. We think this is pretty good going, and it has Lindsey thinking about how to expand her reach.
The possibilities for expansion suit mums looking for franchise opportunities
Lindsey says one of her main reasons for choosing a MagiKats franchise opportunity is “a love of children and a strong belief in the power of a good education.” With a need for work/life balance, Lindsey is aiming for 45 enrolments by the end of her first year, and then upwards after. Thanks to her experience of MagiKats and the support she’s received, she’s then looking to run an additional centre once Leo is at pre-school.
Running your own business as a mum
Many of our franchisees are mums and dads who wish for (to quote Lindsey) “a new challenge” that is “not going back to the 9-5 corporate routine”. She didn’t want to run a business that left little time for family weekends together, yet relishes the times she has Leo in nursery and is free to get stuck in without someone “around her ankles”. MagiKats is perfect for mums looking for franchise opportunities as you are free to take on more centres once you are able – you are not limited to one franchise – you can grow.
What kind of work does a MagiKats Principal need to do?
Understanding the brand’s ethos, “learning without limits”, is best described as children reaching their personal learning goals and enjoying education at the same time. Everyone follows a unique, tailored programme, which you as MagiKats Principal, oversee.
Lindsey was happy to give her top five tips for new MagiKats Principals:
- Don’t worry if most of your time to start with is spent marketing- it will be worth it.
- Use the time to prepare as many resources as you can.
- Spend time familiarising yourself with the materials.
- Ensure you have at least one strong and reliable mentor ready to start.
- Believe in what you are selling.
Are there some challenges with a new MagiKats franchise?
The hours are great, so what next? Running your own business is certainly challenging at times. We asked Lindsey what she wanted to concentrate on right now, and she said “getting to grips with the marketing that is working for me and that which isn’t” and improving enrolment growth over the summer. With her mentors developing well, she’s looking to sell what she’s seen at MagiKats Fleet to more parents: “students make real progress, and grow in confidence.”
Could you be a MagiKats franchisee?
A franchise will challenge your organisation and communication skills. Lindsey tells us the hurdles include chasing up payments, keeping tabs on timetabling, feeding back to parents and students, and managing staff. Her advice to anyone about to open the doors to their new MagiKats franchise is to “establish good relationships with the parents from the start. Review all the work the tutors are doing … before and after the sessions, to enable you to understand more about the programme and the students”.
How do MagiKats help?
The key to buying a good franchise is knowing it is based on a tried and tested formula that means you will achieve success and profits. MagiKats currently has 23 centres in the UK and several others abroad, all offering Maths and English tuition programmes throughout the year.
One of the most special things about becoming a franchisee with MagiKats is the opportunity to run your own business on exclusive turf. With MagiKats you have the added security of feeling part of a bigger team as we support you through each stage of building your new franchise, and beyond. Get in touch today to find out more.
By Sarah Marsh, Director of Operations, MagiKats HQ