Q&A: Does Driving Miss Daisy Franchise in the UK?

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 11/12/2017, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does Driving Miss Daisy Franchise in the UK? — Photo © driving-miss-daisy-franchise.jpg

Driving Miss Daisy is a companionship and assisted transportation business, helping people with mobility problems continue to enjoy a high quality of life. If you’d like to make a difference in your community, you could invest in a company providing elderly care services - but does Driving Miss Daisy franchise?

The care franchise has a team of licenced, trained and qualified companion drivers, who work with children, the elderly, those with disabilities and anyone who is unable to drive from A to B. Skilled employees help their customers get in and out of the car, do their shopping, go to doctor’s appointments and complete other everyday tasks.

The business offers the chance for entrepreneurs to add real value in their local area, so it’s no wonder entrepreneurs are interested in Driving Miss Daisy franchise opportunities.

Does Driving Miss Daisy franchise?

Yes - Driving Miss Daisy has developed an effective franchise model to allow business owners to deliver quality companionship and elderly care services in their hometown. There are currently more than 30 franchisees operating across the country, but Driving Miss Daisy has a plan to launch branches in every UK town and city.

History of Driving Miss Daisy

Driving Miss Daisy began in Canada and introduced franchise opportunities in 2008. The first franchisees were Melanie Harper, who had cared for her own aunt, and her partner Jack. Today, Driving Miss Daisy franchise units can be found across the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

The business prides itself on its caring yet professional staff members. Each driver is police checked, qualified in First Aid and trained to help people who need personalised travel to medical appointments. They can even take customers into the clinic and make notes if necessary.

Driving Miss Daisy offers a wide variety of different services, from light domestic support, such as food preparation and playing board games, to accompanying customers during social engagements. Drivers are often praised for their caring attitude, with many clients describing their experience as like “driving with a friend”.

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Starting a Driving Miss Daisy franchise unit

Driving Miss Daisy is looking for compassionate entrepreneurs who are genuinely interested in improving the lives of others. If you’re passionate about providing a quality service and understand that it involves hard work, patience and dedication, you could be the ideal candidate.

Becoming a Driving Miss Daisy franchisee:

You don’t need any previous business ownership or transport services experience to start a Driving Miss Daisy franchise unit. Of course, a full driving licence is essential, but the remaining requirements are based on your personality and mindset.

As you’ll be working with many vulnerable clients, it’s crucial you can put people at ease. You’ll need to use your interpersonal and communication skills to show customers that you’re trustworthy, honest and compassionate.

If you think you’re a good fit for the Driving Miss Daisy franchise model, you can register your interest by completing an enquiry form on the business’s website or calling up. Then, a Driving Miss Daisy representative will get in touch to answer any questions you might have.

Next, it’s down to you to fill in an expression of interest form. You’ll be asked to provide a bit more information about your situation, so the franchisor can consider your suitability. At this point, you’ll be invited to meet with one of the UK team members, which is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the franchise and its working culture.

If you still want to proceed with the franchise opportunity, you could spend time with an existing franchisee. They’ll show you how the business works on a day-to-day basis and answer any other questions you have.

All being well, you’ll be asked to place a deposit to secure your franchise location before reviewing the franchise agreement. Always make sure you consult a specialist franchise solicitor for advice before you sign this complex, legally binding document.

How much you need to invest:

When you join the Driving Miss Daisy franchise, you should be prepared to make a minimum investment of £15,000. Before you can get your branch up and running, you’ll be expected to fund:

A branded vehicle
Local authority fees to register as a licensed operator
Working capital to cover your business’s running costs until you reach your break-even point
Insurance

What you get for your investment:

As a new Driving Miss Daisy franchisee, you’ll be able to choose one of three packages to suit your ambitions. The options include:

Running a franchise unit with just one car to serve the local community
Establishing a fleet of cars and drivers to supply whole towns and communities
Overseeing multiple franchisees across a large region

The franchise’s flexible business model gives investors the chance to start off small and then expand at a later date, helping to achieve long-term growth and profitability.

In return for your investment, you’ll be able to join a comprehensive training scheme to learn how to successfully manage your business. Because many Driving Miss Daisy clients are elderly, you’ll also receive Dementia Friend training so you can confidently communicate with those who have early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Finally, all franchisees get support when it comes to buying a liveried vehicle. The Driving Miss Daisy franchise team will help you pick out the right van for your business and negotiate competitive rates for vehicle finance options if necessary.

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Becoming a franchisee in the care industry

The care industry has a diverse range of franchise opportunities, from live-in customer support and after-school clubs to tutoring services and even pet sitting. If you’d like to help others whilst becoming your own boss and taking control of your schedule, why not browse our current selection of care investment openings?

Or, for more information and advice on running your own business in the franchise sector, take a look at our comprehensive selection of articles.