For Sharon Dhillon, managing director of Caremark Bromley and mother of three, balancing family life and running a £4m business is not just possible – it’s her reality.  

Her secret? Franchising.  

For many mums, balancing a career with family life can seem impossible. But since launching her care franchise in 2010, Sharon has proven it can be done with the right support. 

Getting the business off the ground 

Sharon and her husband entered the care industry after a family experience showed the vital role of quality care. “I know from this that having high-quality personal care that truly supports both the individual and their family is life-changing,” she says. “It made such a difference to us. It has a huge impact on a person’s wellbeing and their whole family. We cared for our loved one ourselves, but I know that’s not an option for everyone. That’s what motivated us to get involved in the care sector.”  

Franchising: The key to striking the balance 

Thanks to the support of franchising, Sharon launched Caremark Bromley in late 2010, and the business soon began to thrive. “Franchising gave me the structure to grow a business and the flexibility to be a present parent,” Sharon shares. “The business took off quickly, and we had our first child the year after launch. We now have three brilliant children – two boys and a girl – and as all mums know, juggling parenthood and work is not an easy task! 

“My husband has his own property developing business which keeps him busy, and I handle all the responsibilities for Caremark Bromley. But I’m not on my own in this. The franchise’s model and the ongoing support were instrumental in helping me manage everything confidently,” Sharon explains. “I’ve always embraced hard work. I want to give my kids the best life possible and show them that with ambition and determination, you can achieve anything.”  

By leveraging the franchise model, she was able to tap into a proven business system and benefit from ongoing support, allowing her to focus on both her business and family. 

Making it work: Structure and communication 

Sharon’s success as both a business owner and a mum comes down to a lot of planning and clear communication with her husband. “We plan everything—who picks up the kids, who’s working, and who’s at home. This structure allows me to balance both roles effectively and make sure nothing gets missed.” 

With meticulous organisation, Sharon leads all business decisions, fitting planning for business development and operational growth seamlessly around her busy family schedule, while also having time for managing bid writing and contracts. She adds: “with work, delegation is crucial, but I also make sure I’m fully hands-on when it matters. I never let tasks pile up and always make the most of my time when I’m at work.” 

Thanks to her routine, Sharon works four days a week while staying on top of both family and business. “I don’t think you should have to sacrifice a good career when you have children. I’ve learned that with clear planning and teamwork, it’s possible to have both and thrive.” 

Empowering mums through franchising 

For mums balancing work and family, Sharon believes franchising is the ideal solution. “Franchising gives you the best of both worlds—the ability to run a successful business with the flexibility to be there for those important moments with your kids.” 

Her advice? “Find a franchise that matches your values and offers the flexibility you need. It’s a great way to pursue a career without sacrificing family time.” 

Success and Impact 

Under Sharon’s leadership, Caremark Bromley achieved a 31.4% growth in turnover, reaching £4m, and won the Large Business category at the 2024 Caremark Franchise Awards. But for Sharon, the true reward is knowing she’s built something that benefits her community while setting a strong example for her children. 

Sharon’s journey shows that franchising can be the perfect path for mums who want a successful career and time for their family. As Sharon says, “It’s all about finding the right opportunity and giving it your best – you really can have it all.”