A learning journey

Julian Field really has done it all. Following graduating with two degrees in engineering, founding a furniture retail business and working for several years in the corporate world, he added another notch to his belt – investing in a franchise.

In 2017, he turned his attention to Tutor Doctor, using all of his experience to give back to young people in his territory of York. It is more than a passion for business that has led him to the tutoring franchise – he knew the power of lifelong learning.

“When I was in high school, I struggled with maths,” said Julian. “So, my parents hired a tutor to help me out. On reflection, this helped me massively, not just with completing my two degrees, but I went on to become a maths and physics tutor myself. That’s the reason why Tutor Doctor resonated with me so much – I know first-hand the impact a personal tutor can have on a student. Equipping children with those possibilities makes it all worth it.”

A year before the new millennium, Julian founded and ran the operations of Furniture123.co.uk, Europe’s first online furniture retailer. He ran the business for 13 years, growing it into a multi-million-pound company, before selling it in 2013 to find a new venture. It was then that he worked as a management consultant in the corporate world, but it didn’t take long before Julian was looking for another challenge.

Throughout his whole career, Julian was certain that he would return to education one way or another. But, as is the case for many people, life got in the way. With a clear head and the ability to fulfil his destiny, he sought out his next opportunity. He had moved to York at this point, married his wife Clare and started a family. He wanted a business opportunity that would fit around that, whilst also providing the professional satisfaction he was seeking.

“Clare and I discussed the options, eventually finding Tutor Doctor online. The more we researched, the more it looked like the perfect opportunity. I had to be sure, so I attended a discovery day to get a real feel for the brand. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found what I had been searching for.”

Tutor Doctor is the fastest-growing in-home tutoring franchise in the world. Franchisees manage a team of tutors and work closely with families to identify the needs of students. As successful business owners at the heart of the local community, franchisees help children to achieve their potential and change lives for the better. In today’s modern, hectic world, the tired old centre-based model lacks convenience and the personal touch. Tutors visit students at home or work with them one-to-one via an online platform for a truly bespoke, person-centred service.

Julian flew to Tutor Doctor Home Office in Toronto for his initial franchisee training in October 2017. In a cohort with eight other eager business owners looking to start their tutoring businesses, he was ready to make it happen.

“Being immersed in this atmosphere felt great. We were all in it for the same reasons and getting an introduction to the franchise with those like-minded people set us up perfectly for when it was time to launch the business.

“I wasted no time in getting my name out into the local community as soon as I got back to York. Putting all the skills into practice from training helped generate some attention, securing packages with six families within the first two months. Although tutor recruitment is one of the most difficult parts of what I do, as I heavily vet candidates to ensure they are perfect for our students, I had the added benefit of two universities close by. This attracted plenty of academics, graduates and post-graduates who simply wanted to offer their own support, whilst also earning money of course.”

Immediately after launching, franchisees are actively supported by a business coach across all areas of business through structured training programmes, weekly coaching calls, weekly global calls and on-demand support as and when needed. Then, as the business grows, specifically designed support systems help to maintain growth, build momentum, and scale the business, allowing franchisees to achieve both financial and personal goals. Julian used this support network to bolster his own business.

A little over three years later and Julian’s business is a buzzing empire. Although the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on their usual in-person service, parents soon learnt the benefits of online tuition for their children. With a name made for himself, Tutor Doctor York is growing organically with client referrals.

“We currently support over 50 students with their learning at one of the most crucial times in their academic career. Perhaps the best part though is receiving feedback from families and helping people to reach significant achievements through tutoring. One student didn’t get the grades they needed for medical school but, with the help of a tutor, they secured their place for the following year just a few months later.

“And it’s not always the students in school who come to us for help. For example, we’ve helped a woman in her 70s to learn the keyboard, whilst another also in that age bracket, required support with a family history project they were conducting. I think that’s what makes being a Tutor Doctor franchisee so fulfilling – no two days are the same, and there really are no boundaries to who you can reach. No subject is off limits.

“On a personal level, it’s made a huge difference to me. I was seeking fulfilment, and I’ve received it in bucketloads. Clare has joined the business, so we can plan our schedules around work. Typically, consultations happen in the evening, meaning we have free time in the mornings. When we do take time off, we enjoy travelling and keeping fit. I’m an avid tennis player, which is great because I can get on the court in the mornings, and a member of a local film club.

“Looking back on my tutoring journey going full circle is great. Even from a very young age, I loved learning, and it feels extremely humbling to be able to offer that same opportunity to others.”