From Different Career Paths to a Shared Dream: Chris and Lynn’s Journey with Visiting Angels
Chris James and his wife Lynn came from completely different career paths. Lynn spent 35 years as a mental health and community nurse, specialising in Alzheimer’s care, while Chris built his career in the football betting industry.
A Long-Held Dream of Running a Business Together
Despite their different professional backgrounds, the couple shared a long-held dream of running a business together. “We’d often chat about opening a B&B or something along those lines,” Chris says. Although franchising hadn’t crossed Chris’s mind, Lynn was already familiar with the idea. During her time as a general manager in the care sector, she had travelled to the US multiple times and come across Visiting Angels—a thriving American homecare franchise.
This prompted their first visit to The Franchise Exhibitions at Olympia London in 2020. It was a real eye-opener for the couple. They went without having done much research but knew exactly what they wanted – a care franchise with the right values, Visiting Angels. “Coming from the betting world, I’m used to making quick decisions,” says Chris. “Although we always knew our number one choice, we still spoke to a few other care brands. But Visiting Angels really stood out to us.”
A New Venture with Visiting Angels
Chris and Lynn were immediately drawn to the company and the opportunity to serve a large area in South West London. “It’s a huge territory with so many people in need of support. That was a big factor for us,” he explains. “We met Dan and the team, and had a great conversation – we thought, let’s give this a go!”
They signed the franchise agreement in mid-May 2020. Lynn swiftly completed the necessary CQC preparations and interview by early July, and they officially opened their doors at the end of that month. “It was understandably slow at first given Covid restrictions,” Chris recalls. “From July 2020 to April 2021, we were gradually adding clients – one here, one there. But from April onwards, things really took off.”
Success and Growth with Visiting Angels
Since then, their business has gone from strength to strength. Today, they employ 75 staff and care for over 100 clients, delivering around 1,100 hours of care each week. “Being one of the first five Visiting Angels franchisees in the UK gave us a real head start,” says Chris. “We’ve grown quickly and maintain a 97% staff retention rate, which we’re incredibly proud of.”
For Chris and Lynn, franchising offered a way to take control of their careers in their 50s. “A lot of people are just killing time until retirement,” Chris reflects. “We wanted to invest in something meaningful.” Despite busy weeks, they make sure to enjoy the perks of running their own business. “We still find time for the gym or a walk with the dog, work-life balance is really important to us.”
The Importance of Support and Community
Chris highlights the vital role of the Visiting Angels’ network to their success. “It’s not just about being part of a recognised brand and the invaluable marketing support, it’s also the people you can turn to. I regularly reach out to our WhatsApp group for advice, whether it’s about cancellations or day-to-day challenges, and get great feedback from franchisees in similar positions. Plus, the operational support from the head office team has been fantastic.”
Chris and Lynn have been regulars at The Franchise Exhibitions over the past few years, often working on the Visiting Angels stands and mingling with visitors. Chris advises, “Try to speak to as many people as you can. It’s really helpful to have an idea of your priorities beforehand and do a bit of research before you arrive, but don’t be afraid to chat with people outside your immediate area of interest. You never know where inspiration might come from.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Having recently committed to another ten years with Visiting Angels, Chris and Lynn are full of optimism about what lies ahead. “It’s been hard work, but there’s still so much to achieve and so many people we can support,” Chris reflects. “We’re both genuinely excited for the future. I always say this has been the best bet we ever made!”
Chris and Lynn’s journey is a powerful example of the life-changing opportunities offered by The Franchise Exhibitions. Interested in following their footsteps? Find out more about upcoming events and book your free tickets today! Read the full story Here
