FROM WORKING MOM TO SUCCESSFUL DOMICILIARY CARE BUSINESS OWNER: A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE AND SUPPORT

By Saida Egeh

Sarah began her career as a care worker in a nursing home and then moved on to domiciliary care, in which she would go to people’s homes to provide care for them. While doing so, Sarah attended university to pursue a degree in health and social care.

During her second year, Sarah became pregnant and gave birth in the covid era, but Sarah didn’t stop there. She graduated and went straight onto her master’s degree, studying health and social care management and policy while working full time. Sarah rose through the ranks to become a care manager. Despite having a good job, she always felt like something was missing. She desired to have a greater direct impact on the lives of her service users by providing them with the care and support they required to live comfortably and happily at home. As a result, she decided to take the plunge and start her own domiciliary care company.

Starting a business while still working a full-time job and caring for her family was no easy task. Sarah spent long nights and weekends researching the industry, creating business plans, and developing policies and procedures. She struggled to find the time and resources to get her business off the ground while still meeting the demands of her job and her family.

But Sarah refused to give up. She was determined to make her dream a reality and to provide high-quality care to those in need. With the support of her family, she pushed forward, investing time and money into her business and building a team of skilled and dedicated carers.

The early days were not without their challenges. Sarah had to navigate complex regulations and licensing requirements, manage a growing team of employees, and balance the needs of her family with the demands of her business. She also had to overcome the stigma that sometimes comes with being a new business owner in a crowded market. But Sarah persevered. She worked tirelessly to provide her clients with the best possible care and to build strong relationships with their families and support networks. And her hard work paid off. When her business was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Sarah received a good rating. The CQC praised her business for its compassionate and person-centred care, as well as its commitment to continuous improvement and staff development. For Sarah, this recognition was not just a validation of her hard work and dedication, but also a reflection of the support and encouragement she received from her family and her community. Her husband and family helped with administrative tasks, marketing, and even hands-on care for some clients. Sarah also found support and guidance from other business owners and healthcare professionals in her area. Today, Sarah’s business is thriving. She has expanded her team and her services, and she is proud to be able to provide high-quality care and support to those in need. She continues to work hard, but she also makes time for her family and her own self-care needs, knowing that her own well-being is essential to the success of her business.

Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and support. It shows us that with hard work, determination, and the support of our loved ones and our community, we can overcome even the greatest challenges and achieve our dreams.

If you are considering opening a domiciliary care agency and require help and support throughout the process, She has extensive experience in the health and social care sector, and can provide invaluable advice and guidance on all aspects of setting up and running a successful domiciliary care agency.

Uzo became enthralled in leathercraft, he started making objects from horns, specifically cow and ram. Later, his brand name Frank Horn became a homage to and represents the people and material that set me on this journey, a symbol of man and material.

FRANK HORN BUSINESS SUCCESS: A SYMBOL OF MAN AND MATERIAL

By Omar Mohammed

Frank Horn was founded by Uzo Okwuosa, a self-taught artisan, in 2015 after he was inspired by a trip to Nigeria. Each design emphasises timelessness, durability, and functionality, whilst also offering a bespoke service. Uzo himself is an open-hearted soul, passionate about his craft and dedicated to creativity and quality. He truly embodies what it means to be an artisan in a modern-day context.

Uzo remembers that when he stumbled upon leather craft, it was merely a hobby—a way to unwind and unleash my creativity. I started with small projects, learning the basics, and exploring the possibilities this ancient craft and art form offered. Little did he know that this humble beginning would shape his entire future in ways no one could never have imagined.

In the early days, Uzo says “I found myself drawn to the allure of cow horn. Its natural textures and patterns fascinated me, its uses traditionally, in fashion and as a material, I couldn’t resist the urge to experiment with it”.

Very quickly, leather craft became more than just a hobby. It became his passion, and was enthralled into the craft, the artistry, and the endless possibilities that leather offered. These days he used to continue practising and honing his skills by teaching himself through making different types of items like wallets and bags.

I share the same name as Francis as my father and grandfather. So, the abbreviation “Frank” became an integral part of my brand, a symbol of respect and gratitude - I honour the men that came before me and the material Horn that set me on this journey.# craft of leather work focused on his amazing creations. Making in small batches and offering a bespoke service, his business is lucky to boast a global clientele. A client that shares the trait for the appreciation of honestly, well-made leather goods, with an appreciation of fine materials and great craftsmanship.

Frank Horn created an empire of clients, who showed their satisfaction with the carefully designed and crafted leather products of many kinds from card holder to Hib flask and to classic leather belt.

“Recently ordered a bag from Frank. Great service and product. I’ve never owned something that’s so well made with such attention to detail. Very happy with my bag” says one client who purchased a hand-made bag three years ago. And another one said “Fantastic quality products, excellent craftsmanship from a passionate maker. You can see the passion and skill that go into making the products. Love my purchase!”

Being a small independent brand, he has done his best to keep the

STARTING & SCALING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

By Nur Mohamed

Starting and running a small business can be a daunting task, but it is also an exciting opportunity to turn your passion into a successful venture.

Identify Your Niche: The first step in starting a successful small business is to identify your niche. This means finding a gap in the market that you can fill with your products or services. Conduct market research to determine the needs of your target audience, and then create a unique value proposition that sets you apart from your competitors.

Develop a Business Plan: A business plan is a roadmap for your business that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Your business plan should include details about your products or services, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It is also essential to have a plan for managing your business’s day-to-day operations, such as inventory management and employee management.

Build a Strong Online Presence: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for the success of any small business. This means creating a professional website that is easy to navigate and contains all the information potential customers need to know about your business. It is also essential to establish a social media presence on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and to regularly engage with your audience to build relationships.

Focus on Customer Service: Customer service is the backbone of any successful small business. Providing

ADVICE & TIPS:

exceptional customer service can help to build trust and loyalty among your customers, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. It is essential to respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints and to go above and beyond to meet their needs.

Stay Financially Responsible: Managing your finances is critical for the success of your small business. It is essential to keep accurate financial records, including income and expenses, and to regularly review your finances to ensure that you are on track to meet your goals. It is also important to develop a budget and stick to it, and to seek professional advice if you need help with financial management.

Network and Collaborate: Building a strong network is crucial for the success of any small business. Attend industry events, join local business groups, and participate in online forums to connect with other entrepreneurs and potential partners. Collaborating with other businesses can also help to expand your reach and attract new customers.

Starting and running a small business can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these entrepreneurship and small business advice tips, you can increase your chances of success and build a thriving business. It is important to stay focused on your goals, continually learn and improve your skills, and stay financially responsible. Remember, success in entrepreneurship is not just about having a good idea, but also about taking the necessary steps to turn that idea into a successful business.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, with smartphones, tablets, and other devices now commonplace in homes and classrooms. While technology offers many benefits, it also has potential downsides, particularly for children. In this article, we will explore the impact of technology on child development and the benefits and risks it poses.

Benefits of Technology

Technology can provide numerous benefits for children, including:

Enhanced Learning: Technology can support learning, providing access to educational resources and interactive activities.

Improved Communication: Technology can improve communication, enabling children to connect with family and friends, even from a distance.

Increased Creativity: Technology can foster creativity, providing tools for digital art, music, and storytelling.

Exposure to New Ideas and Cultures: Technology can broaden children's horizons, providing exposure to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

Risks of Technology

Technology also poses potential risks for child development, including:

Overuse: Technology can lead to overuse, with children spending too much time on devices and missing out on other activities and social interactions.

Reduced Physical Activity: Technology can lead to reduced physical activity, with children spending less time engaging in outdoor play and exercise.

Social Isolation: Technology can lead to social isolation, with children spending less time interacting