Driving Miss Daisy
Care FranchisesCombat isolation and lack of mobility in your local community by owning a flexible and home-based franchise.
Driving Miss Daisy Franchise
Driving Miss Daisy offers a safe, friendly and reliable driving and companion service for anyone who is unable to drive but wishes to remain independent.
We’re looking for caring, compassionate and business-minded people to open new services in the Midlands, West Country, North of England or anywhere in the UK that might require a considerate transportation service.
What does being a Driving Miss Daisy franchisee entail?
Our franchisees provide companionship and transportation that is adapted to meet the individual needs of older people, children, people with autism or learning disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities or other health needs… we even take pets to the vet!
Some typical journeys include:
- Accompanying people at weddings and family events.
- Day trips to the seaside and tourist attractions with groups.
- Trips to the hospital.
- Airport and seaport runs.
- Trips down memory lane, taking people back to their school or an important place in their personal history.
- Take someone shopping and stop in a local cafe.
Is there a demand for this type of service?
With medical advancements, people are now living longer and figures are showing that the UK has an ageing population. With an already-stretched care system, there are more and more elderly people who find themselves isolated and without the means to remain mobile.
Aside from the elderly, there is also a large section of the UK public that has disabilities and is currently relying on relatives, ambulances or the few accessible taxis that have been adapted for specialist needs. These can range from wheelchair users who may need an adapted car to suit their mobility needs to those people who have learning difficulties and may need extra help in certain social situations.
Greg Blezard, CEO, commented on the importance of enabling mobility for everyone:
“Keeping people physically and mentally active within their communities is at the heart of what Driving Miss Daisy does; especially when you consider that 38% of young disabled people feel lonely most days and that social isolation is associated with a higher risk of early death in older people. We want to give everyone the chance to achieve their wish list and feel safe getting there, regardless of their age, mobility or mental illnesses.”
In addition to the statistics surrounding mobility, isolation and an ageing population, we have also seen an unprecedented demand for services in certain areas, and already have potential clients on a database just waiting for someone to open a franchise in their area.
What support do franchisees receive?
Marketing
- Production of standard and bespoke marketing collateral.
- Social Media Training.
Client Services Centre
- Call handling of client enquiries.
Business Mentoring
- Company Set-up.
- One-to-one support during the initial start-up phase.
- Registration with HMRC for Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE.
- Introduction to key accounts.
Training
- An extensive introduction to the company and its processes.
- Manuals.
- First aid.
- Dementia friend.
News
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Surrey Regional Developer Interview with RNIB
A large proportion of Driving Miss Daisy’s clients are blind or partially sighted. Regional Developer and franchise owner, Jocelyn Close, was invited to speak on The Weekly Connect – the Royal National Institute of the Blind’s (RNIB) podcast that discusses
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A Message From UK Founder Paul
“We are approaching the three year anniversary of Driving Miss Daisy establishing in the UK. As some are aware, it was my wife Ada who first sighted a “Daisy” vehicle in Auckland, New Zealand. This started the chain of events
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Our Franchises Have Increased in Value
As of Monday 2nd October, the cost of buying a new franchise will be increasing to £20,000 plus VAT. Why the Franchise Price Increase? Driving Miss Daisy UK has expanded rapidly over the last 3 years and our brand awareness
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The Wiltshire Franchises Present to 50+ Occupational Therapists
Recently, the Wiltshire Team have attended a number of events in their local area. Regional Developer Mel Turner had plenty to say about one such event in mid-June. The group presented to a large number of occupational therapists working for
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Welcome to Julian and Rachel in Bersted!
We would like to extend a huge welcome to our new franchise owners in Bersted, West Sussex. Our story “In December 2016 we were looking to help Rachel’s retired parents retain their independence for as long as possible. As
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Founders’ Offer of Franchise Support
Last month, our New Zealand Founders, Jack and Mel, offered franchise support to Driving Miss Daisy franchisees during their pit-stop tour of the UK. Last month New Zealand Founders, Jack and Mel, offered franchise support to Driving Miss Daisy franchisees
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Welcome to Nigel Stead!
Nigel Stead is the new franchise owner for Ipswich and we asked him a few questions about his new venture… What area will you be covering?My franchise will cover whole of Ipswich. What type of client will be your main
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Driving Miss Daisy Stevenage launches at Stevenage Day!
John and Julie proudly launched their Driving Miss Daisy Stevenage business at Stevenage Day on 11th June. Packed with entertainment, stall holders and plenty of people from the surrounding area, John and Julie were able to chat to a lot
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Networking at the Hillingdon Business Expo
Harefield Franchise Owner Karen and Companion Mary attended the Hillingdon Business Expo at Brunel University on Thursday 2nd June. The stand remained busy throughout the day with people interested to know more about Driving Miss Daisy and how we could
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Inaugural Conference for this Business with a Heart
Everyone came together for the inaugural Driving Miss Daisy franchise conference on Saturday 10th October at Norton Park in Winchester, including the full team from HQ, regional developers and franchisees as well as New Zealand founders Melanie and Jack Harper.
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Case Studies
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A Business with a Driving Need
Melanie Turner lived abroad for many years before returning home to look after her terminally-ill mother. She found Driving Miss Daisy was just what her own community needed and now offers support to other franchisees in running their own businesses.
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An opportunity not to be missed!
“If this business is run well, franchisees will get a lot of satisfaction from it. It’s important to be autonomous but with structure, knowledgeable people and a solid system around you.” Cherry Simmonds launched her Driving Miss Daisy business in
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The first Daisies in the UK
Chris and Anna White joined Driving Miss Daisy as the very first franchisees in the UK. Chris tells us where their journey has taken the couple. Chris and Anna White joined Driving Miss Daisy as the very first franchisees in
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You don’t need an expensive advert in a paper…
Driving Miss Daisy Daisy Kings Lynn is one of our most successful franchises and is run by Natalie Bressani and Melanie Beardmore. Natalie answered some questions on their reasons behind opening the franchise, their experiences and what’s worked well for
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From independent business owner to franchisee, Gavin from Cheltenham’s story
After running two independent businesses, Gavin decided that it was time for a change and now runs a successful Driving Miss Daisy franchise in Cheltenham. Gavin shares his experiences and offers advice to people considering buying a franchise. After running
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I’ve extended my family and have acquired a number of ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’
Rachel Scott owns and manages the Driving Miss Daisy Daisy Stockton & Middlesbrough service, which is one our most successful franchises. Rachel explains what drew her to Driving Miss Daisy and her experience to date. Rachel Scott owns and manages
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It is rewarding and gives great self-satisfaction as well as helping those less fortunate
Cammie Phillips, owner of Driving Miss Daisy Andover, answers some questions about her experience so far with Driving Miss Daisy. Cammie Phillips, owner of Driving Miss Daisy Andover, answers some questions about her experience so far with Driving Miss Daisy.
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“There is a genuine bond of trust that develops over time”
Jo Miller, owner of Driving Miss Daisy Ringwood, answers some questions about her journey as a Driving Miss Daisy franchisee so far. Why did you open a Driving Miss Daisy franchise? I wanted to be part of a new niche
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Testimonials
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Melanie (Wiltshire)
“Driving Miss Daisy is all about making a difference in the community, taking someone to an appointment, making their day easier and more streamlined – it really makes you feel good. You feel like you’ve made a difference and that was a really big draw for me."
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Carolyn (Hayling Island)
“To run a Driving Miss Daisy franchise you need to be community spirited. If this business is run well you’ll get a lot of satisfaction with it and a great return on investment. It’s great to be autonomous but still have a support system around you to help if you get stuck.”
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Claire (Bromley)
I used to work in the travel industry and my husband in banking but we wanted to run our own business and were particularly interested in working in the care industry. Driving Miss Daisy provides us with the opportunity to make a difference in the community. Our clients become friends and often we work with families too, all of which makes our working day rewarding and enjoyable!
Get Your Free Information!
To hear back from Driving Miss Daisy with more information regarding their Franchise opportunity and speak to them directly with any questions you may have, please click the ‘Add to Request List’ button below.