By Linda Whitney

A franchise can be a successful way into business for people looking for a flexible, affordable self employment option.

Leena Thakker chose a Musical Minis children’s activity franchise five years ago because she wanted to fit work around caring for her daughters.

Time for work and family: Leena Thakker has a flexible business

“My girls were seven and two when I started, so I planned only a couple of classes a week – but my initial marketing was so successful, I had five classes from the first week,” says Leena, 44, from Oxford.

“The business grew so fast, we now offer 15 classes a week, plus children’s parties and school holiday sessions. I have taken on two staff and I am looking for more. Now Anya is 13 and Alaina eight, but I still value the flexibility of the franchise because I can pick up Alaina from school, go to school events and still be available for my daughters as they grow up.”

Musical Minis founder Karen Sherr, who started the franchise around caring for her own family, says: “Musical Minis supports the family financially, while allowing Mum to remain a mum.

“It is priced to be affordable and offers the ability to grow into something really big if that’s what a franchisee is looking for.”

Investment is £8,000.