Musical Minis is the pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers. Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories in a relaxed group atmosphere.

Karen Sherr, Founder and managing director, set up Musical Minis from her home in North West London with her husband Rob 20 years ago. She started the business as a part-time class in a local hall when the first of her three children was a tiny baby.

She studied psychology at Warwick University and, after graduating, she worked as a Play Specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, on the cardiac unit.

Karen heads training and development for her network of 20, which now has 160 classes across the UK.

Franchisee case study – Leena Thakker (Oxford)

Musical Minis Providing the Perfect Solution

Leena Thakker Musical Minis franchisee in Oxford

Leena Thakker bought the Musical Minis franchise in February of this year (2009), looking for a solution to enjoy family life as well as having her own business. Leena has two girls aged 7 and 2. "After having Anya 7 years ago, it was not an option for me to go back to my previous employment" Leena commented. Leena worked as an International Business Development Manager and this involved extensive travel. "I decided to set up my own Marketing Consultancy firm, offering marketing and PR to small companies that could not afford a marketing department. This was very successful but the hours were very long and I always had tight deadlines which needed to be met." After a difficult pregnancy with Alaina, I decided that I did not want to return to consultancy work".

Leena attended Musical Minis in Bicester with Anya. Anya gained so much out of the Musical Minis programme that when Leena moved to Calvert Green she decided to seek a Musical Minis class to take her youngest daughter to. "We started attending Musical Minis in Adstock and Alaina loved every minute of it. She was quite shy and 'clingy' when we first started attending but her confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. Musical Minis has really helped her socially and given a great start to her development. She gets really excited when she puts on her Musical Minis T-Shirt and she loves carrying her Musical Minis book bag."

When the Oxfordshire franchise came up for sale just after Christmas, Leena made enquiries and was put in touch with Karen Sherr, founder of Musical Minis. "I found Karen very friendly and warm. She was very helpful in answering my questions. After the initial phone call with Karen, my husband and I met up with Karen and Rob. I just got a really good feeling when we met them both. They were very honest and down to earth. Also they put us under no pressure to make a decision quickly, which was great as it was such a big decision. By the end of the meeting I knew I could work with Karen and was 90% sure I would be going ahead. I just needed to get the business plan and financials checked out by my Accountant."

Leena signed the contract at the annual Musical Minis franchise meeting in February and was able to participate and meet all the other franchisees. "This so far has been the best decision I have made. My feet have not touched the ground since February as I am gearing up to start classes after Easter".

Leena has undergone training and assessment over the last month. "The business is so well thought through that everything is provided to start the business. It is a very cleverly designed programme for babies and toddlers. I received excellent training and then had my formal assessment, where I had to run a live class. I have been provided with all the instruments, MP3 player, puppets, props, storyboards and all the necessary manuals and training DVD, as well as all the marketing material so I am now raring to start my first lesson".

"I had thought that I would initially start of with 2-4 classes but didn't realise how much demand there is for Musical Minis. I have been inundated with emails and phone calls, since I started marketing the classes. A combination of leaflet drops, advertising and mailshots has enabled me to grow the business quite rapidly. I had no idea that the business would take off in such a big way. I am actually going to be starting 6 classes after Easter, working 2 days. As Alaina gets older I can really grow the business and take staff on. I really do have the best of both worlds as I can enjoy my children and will be able to continue doing so as the classes are term time only, and I can still use my marketing expertise and business acumen to grow the business. I think I am fortunate to have finally found the perfect solution, which many women just do not find. I am really excited about starting the classes and have been practicing with my girls over the Easter break."

Cathie Flynn (Merseyside)

Musical Minis Fun on Merseyside

Cathie Flynn Musical Minis franchisee in Merseyside

Cathie Flynn had worked in the finance sector, been a teaching assistant and involved with a community art and drama project before heading up the franchise for Musical Minis in Merseyside.

She explains: "The best thing about Musical Minis is that it's fun. I'd become quite stressed in my previous job and wanted something to fit in around my family life. The idea of running my own business was very appealing."

Cathie had read articles about franchising and felt comfortable in the knowledge that everything she needed to get her business up and running was included in the set up costs. After investigating a number of different opportunities and comparing them, Cathie was especially impressed by Musical Minis and the opportunity it presented.

She also liked Karen Sherr, founder of Musical Minis, who was extremely friendly when Cathie approached her for more detailed information about becoming a franchisee. She said: "Other organisations that I contacted seemed very money- orientated but Musical Minis is all about people. I had taken my twin daughters to a number of sessions before I'd even considered franchising. This meant that I was familiar with the format and witnessed first hand as a parent my children having fun."

The investment ensured that Cathie received all the equipment she needed to start the business, as well as thorough training and a licence to operate exclusively in her area for five years. "The on-going support from head office is great and Karen is always willing to help with any problems which happen to arise," continued Cathie. "There is always a genuine interest in my well being as well as that of the business," she added.

Since starting her Merseyside Musical Minis franchise in September 2001, Cathie's business has grown and she now leads several sessions throughout a five-day week. "I also do a few hours a week of admin including banking, preparation of wages, answering phone calls and paperwork," said Cathie. "Admin fits in around my family life. I am able to take my daughters to school, pick them up and I am usually off in the school holidays."

Looking back Cathie acknowledges that it was the best career move she has ever made. She explains: "Musical Minis is very enjoyable and also rewarding. I am a much happier person since I have been doing this. The people I work with are brilliant and I have formed some good friendships. The hours that I work are great, meaning I have time to be with my children and to run around sorting out family matters.

"I would recommend this franchise opportunity to other mums, without hesitation. It's ideal for those who would like to build a business of their own but with the comfort of knowing that experienced people are available to offer back-up support. You already have a tried and tested formula in Musical Minis' brand. The best part, though, is that you meet some lovely families and have fun with them!"

Michelle Reeson (East Midlands - West)

From Counting Pennies to Castanets

Michelle Reeson Musical Minis franchisee in East Midlands - West

Before this change of career direction Michelle's focus was in the financial sector working as a cashier for a high street bank. She also tutored family and friends on the piano in her spare time, something that she continues today.

Whilst on maternity leave Michelle started to assess her work/ home balance and explored the possibility of becoming her own boss. "Financially I needed to return to work after having the baby as my husband and I have a large family to support, but it was equally important to find something which gave me flexibility," said Michelle. "Being there for my family was a high priority and running my own business seemed like the ideal solution."

Over the next few months Michelle spent time researching opportunities on the internet. She soon realised that with existing business models and an established brand, franchising ticked all the boxes. "My first port of call on the internet was NetMums who publish lots of information for mums wanting to work from home," continued Michelle. "I homed in on music and children, then came across Musical Minis, a full bfa member. I requested an information pack but in the interim I also visited the East Midlands franchise show at Leicester racecourse."

Armed with a selection of franchises to consider, it was Musical Minis that became the frontrunner. Michelle attended a Musical Minis session and was very impressed by what she saw, so she duly completed the application form to become a franchisee. She said: "I like the philosophy behind Musical Minis and Karen Sherr's (founder) approach to the business. The fact that Karen is a trained child play therapist gave me the confidence to invest. This franchise is all about making sure both the customer and the franchisee are happy." With training complete and her range of musical equipment received, Michelle organised her first session in September 2008.

"There is some competition in preschool activities within the area but I'm pleased to say that the number of children attending my classes is increasing week on week," said Michelle. "It's all about finding out what works."

With a home and six children to organise, Michelle and her husband Jamie are certainly kept busy. "Jamie is a fantastic support behind the scenes and the whole family get involved with leaflet distribution. I'm enjoying Musical Minis so much that it almost feels like a hobby!," Michelle enthused.

Jacquie Sedman (Durham)

Jacquie Sedman (left), Musical Minis franchisee in Durham, with Mum and regular helper, Hilary Lofthouse

Jacquie Sedman has always enjoyed working with children, having qualified as a nursery nurse. Her hard work and enthusiasm were recognised in her role as deputy manager of a private nursery but the long hours finally took their toll and Jacquie decided it was time for change. Since April 2005, Jacquie has successfully led the Durham franchise of Musical Minis and is loving every minute.

"Rather than benefit an employer, I wanted to benefit myself for my hard work and enthusiasm. I also wanted a career which was flexible to fit in around my family," said Jacquie. "I was working an average 50 hour week and realised that things couldn't continue the way they were."

With the internet being her main resource Jacquie searched to find the ideal solution. Jacquie considered several options but when she discovered franchising, she knew she had found just what she was looking for. Franchising would enable Jacquie to be her own boss but have the support of an established business model. She explains; "I soon discovered that franchising offered the benefit of working alone but help was at hand should I need it. It would allow me to benefit from my own efforts rather than striving to please an employer. I now could dedicate myself to my own clients and use my reputation with children to be successful."

With Jacquie's childcare qualification and experience she narrowed the search. "My determination to use my skills set and have total job satisfaction was paramount and I discovered that Musical Minis enabled that to become reality."

Having decided that Musical Minis ticked all of the right boxes a visit to the company's website couldn't have been more timely. Jacquie explains; "I could remember that the Durham franchise had been running for a number of years previously and upon visiting the website I discovered that the same area was for sale. It was meant to be!"

A swift phone call to Musical Mini's founder Karen Sherr provided all the information and confidence that Jacquie needed to proceed with starting her own business. "Karen's approachable, friendly nature shone through and made me feel at ease. I reeled off a great many questions, all of which were answered," continues Jacquie. "I didn't even look into any other opportunities as I immediately felt this was right."

Having taken the time to discuss and analyse all of the information with her family, it wasn't long before Jacquie owned her own business.

Since April 2005 Jacquie has established her territory in and around Durham and has taken on the role of regional manager for Musical Minis in the North East. "I have found the ideal career to fit in with my family life and I am earning more than I did when working a 50-hour week!" said Jacquie; "My ambition is to employ staff and utilise my entire territory. I'd like to train and monitor other Musical Minis franchises and aid them in having similar success with their businesses.

"The success of my business has been incredible and I very rarely have vacancies in my sessions as word of mouth is so powerful," continues Jacquie. "Not only are the children very special to us, we also share great friendships and positive experiences with the parents making it all very rewarding," she added.

Running your own business requires support from the family and Jacquie's Musical Minis franchise is no exception. "My family are very supportive, particularly my mum. She came to help me for the first few weeks and has been there ever since! She works with me voluntarily at every session and the children adore her. I am very lucky to have such an asset."

Chrissie Rolls (Swindon)

Chrissie Rolls (left), Musical Minis franchisee Swindon/North Wiltshire, with mum and business partner, Anne Myden. Also pictured is Chrissie's son Logan.

New franchisee Chrissie Rolls was delighted to find an opportunity that enabled her to combine her ambition to be her own boss with her love of music.

Music has always played an important part in Chrissie's life. She trained as a classical singer and worked in the Welsh National Opera community choir but it wasn't until she decided to invest in a Musical Minis franchise that music became her main source of income.

Chrissie's musical background is unusual, since most of the franchisees in the network do not have formal music training nor is it necessary. Musical Minis' comprehensive training teaches franchisees all they need to know to run the sessions and to have a successful business.

Chrissie explains: "I obtained a music degree at the Welsh College of Music and Drama but my working career saw me heading down the path of recruitment, retail and the hotel industry. Despite being my main passion, singing and music became more of a hobby."

She wanted to work closer to home in a business that would complement her family life and decided that being her own boss would provide the ideal work-life balance. Her initial search for the perfect opportunity began with the internet and it wasn't long before Chrissie focused on franchises, as she recognised its benefits and advantages.

"In addition to becoming my own boss it was important to have support from somebody when I needed it," explained Chrissie. "The franchise I was looking for needed to have a proven background with a friendly approachable owner."

After much research Chrissie narrowed her final selection to three franchises, contacting the owners directly to find out more, particularly to ensure that full training, business materials and support were in place. Chrissie continued: "When I found Musical Minis I was very pleased to discover that this is a business that would fit in around my family commitments and, also, where I could use my music talents and involve my children."

Chrissie attended Musical Minis' classes in Wales to see the music sessions in action and was impressed by what she saw. She said: "It gave me the opportunity to talk first hand with parents and obtain some feedback about what they thought of the classes, all of which was positive." The friendly support and advice offered by Karen Sherr, founder of Musical Minis, gave Chrissie the confidence to embark on setting up her own business.

Securing the Swindon franchise ensured that Chrissie received all the equipment she needed to start the business, as well as thorough training in preparation to start her Musical Minis' classes in January 2009. "I started by offering some free trials for Health Visitors and advertising in my local area," explained Chrissie. "The initial attendance has been very promising and already I have been thinking about how I can expand the business."

The franchise has enabled Chrissie, aged 31, to spend more time with her young children, whilst also gaining family support in the business. She said: "My mother is a silent partner and on occasions supports me as my assistant. Her help is invaluable. My husband has also been roped in with the paperwork!"

Chrissie's long-term goal is to expand her franchise into other areas and recruit her own team. "Many people might think that you need a musical background to start a franchise like Musical Minis, but that is not the case," she explained. "However, I feel extremely lucky to be able to work with children and enjoy music while earning money to support my family."

On all member companies you can gain information about the business easily and quickly by using the Information Request button on the listing.

Musical Minis Ltd - Full Member “Musical Minis, a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers, is designed to fit around a franchisee’s family and to grow at the franchisee’s own pace, offering great flexibility, particularly to women with young children. Can be managed from home office keeping initial investment and subsequent costs low.”. Sector: Children/Play Education Information Request 1521 Musical Minis Ltd 80 Moss Lane, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 3AU www.musicalminis.co.uk Mrs Karen Sherr Tel: 020 8868 0001 enquiries@musicalminis.co.uk