Raring2go! is a national brand with a local focus. Run by local editors, each magazine contains content specific to that area to make the definitive guide to what to do and where to go with children 0-11.

Name of Franchise: Raring2go!

Industry: Publishing, marketing, sales

Cost to set up franchise: From £8,995 plus VAT

Potential profit: Earning potential from Raring2go will depend on a lot of things, including skills, experience and work ethic. To give an illustration, many franchisees, such as Laura publish a 40 page magazine. Based on a magazine of this size, revenue should be between £7,500 and £9,500 per edition.

Costs should be pretty much fixed at around £3,200 per edition. So operating profit per edition could be between £4,300 and £6,300. With four editions per year, annual profit therefore could be between, £17,200 and £25,200. Of course, as magazines get bigger and the number of advertisers grows then these profit figures should grow as well.

Training provided: Training constantly provided from head office through various training courses being provided from sales techniques marketing techniques and so forth.

Length of training: Ongoing

Type of support given: Support from an expert head office team. Dedicated franchisee development managers to help the franchisees to grow their business. Centrally managed print and design. Full training and support on publishing, selling, time management and PR. Full support and experience from a network of over 80 franchisees around the UK.

Why is this franchise suitable for mothers? Offers flexibility (work/life balance). It’s home based work. Offers good, long term prospects and is enjoyable!

Laura’s franchise journey

Laura Johnson had always wanted to run her own business. For Laura – who runs the Altrincham Raring2go! – it was just finding something that would fit around her family commitments, allow her to continue to look after her two year old boy, and be a business woman all at the same time!

Raring2go! is a quarterly guide aimed at the parents of children aged 0-11. It is distributed through school book bags and at playgroups, nurseries and libraries as well as being online. It provides ideas for days out; information about facilities such as parking and baby changing; activities like music or swimming lessons; cinema showings for kids; party entertainers and venues.

“I was instantly attracted by the Raring2go! offer,” says Laura.

Before becoming a mum, Laura worked for a national charity as a project co-ordinator. “I loved it, but it meant I had no flexibility, as had set times and days that I had to work. Even though my employer was very understanding about my family commitments, I just didn’t have the freedom I needed or wanted.”

So Laura started to explore other avenues that would suit her situation more, “I needed to be bringing in a decent income, but wanted to be with my son as much as possible. I then came across Raring2go! and it was a perfect fit.”

“What really drew me to the offer, was the fact that it was working in my local area. I love it here in Altrincham, and it’s great to be meeting new people everyday. Infact since starting up back in March last year the number of mums and dads I meet through my son’s activities and when out locally asking me when my next issue is out is truly over-whelming.

Plus the number of my advertisers who display the magazines are always asking me to bring more copies, as when they run out, people have come in asking for a copy because of the great money saving offers. It’s such a great feeling knowing you’re making a real difference, as well of course bringing in the money!”

Laura is coming up to her one-year anniversary, and her 4th edition is soon to be available, which will be sent out to a circulation of 10,000. “It’s been a terrific year, and I’m so glad I took on the Raring2go challenge.”

How to apply: Visit www.getraring2go.co.uk or call 0845 22 33 015. Unit 3, Olton Bridge, 245, Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 7AH.

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