“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 May 2015. Cherry is the Regional Developer for Sussex and will be recruiting new franchisees in her area alongside running her own franchise. The business has given Cherry the opportunity to return to the social care sector, an area that she feels passionate about.

With experience in the sector already, Cherry knew that Driving Miss Daisy would be the perfect opportunity for her…

“I have a social work degree and worked in social care supporting foster carers for almost 18 years. As I currently sit on the Board of Directors with Healthwatch West Sussex, I can help influence the experiences of everyone in the community within health and social care. I also spent a few years in my early career in the financial services sector and have set up my own business consultancy. I know how successful businesses operate and how to market them, so I think those skills will translate well into Driving Miss Daisy.”

Cherry is looking forward to populating the Sussex area with franchisees and knows it will be an interesting proposition due to the nature of the services.

“Driving Miss Daisy fell into my lap. I wasn’t particularly looking for a new opportunity but I made a connection with Paul Nuth, Business Development Director for the UK. It was an interesting concept and I wanted to be able to work once again in the Sussex community. I could really see the value of having a good brand and team behind you to make it successful.”

Driving Miss Daisy is a business with a heart. We are renowned for offering a safe, caring and reliable service for those people who find it difficult to get out and about. Franchisees provide companionship and transportation for the elderly, children and people with disabilities, among many others. We offer assistance with anything from medical appointments, a trip to the hairdressers or social outings and most of all make sure our clients have plenty of fun!

“It didn’t take me long to make the decision to join Driving Miss Daisy. I was hooked on the concept straight away but, because buying any business is a big commitment, I was fairly cautious before signing up. I’ve got a really good handle on the system and operations now and I’m looking forward to supporting the franchisees in my area and helping people get into business.”

“The head office and marketing teams are all very supportive and friendly which is a big help! I’m looking forward to assisting with the development of the franchisee training and support programme.”

Founded in New Zealand in 2009, with close relationships with Canada, Driving Miss Daisy now has franchises covering the whole of New Zealand and has growing networks in Australia, Canada and now the UK. Our rapid growth has stemmed from a real and growing need for a personal and trusted community companion service. We have designed and developed their franchise system to meet the demands of our most rapidly-growing demographic – which we all know is the baby boomers – although services are used across all ages.

Cherry believes: “To run this business you need to be community spirited. You get a lot of satisfaction from offering something that’s not widely available at the moment. Volunteer-run services are really important but can often be sporadic and not in every town or village. 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.”

Driving Miss Daisy want the same as you; to make a difference to people’s lives. Our franchise team are passionate about building their businesses whilst also enjoying the rewards of offering a valued service to the local community. Driving Miss Daisy provide everything you need to get up and running successfully and act as a support blanket whilst you get on your feet. We’re there for you; just as you’re there for the individuals you serve.

“For the immediate future, my goal is to have a Driving Miss Daisy presence in every large town across Sussex. Hopefully likeminded people will join me in this quest and support the frail, elderly, vulnerable or those no longer able to drive to get out and about and have fun again.”