When Lou first came across Local Treasures, she wasn’t looking for a business opportunity. She was looking for help for her mum.
Local Treasures matched her mum with a companion who could provide practical support and friendly company, giving Lou peace of mind that someone she trusted was looking out for her.
The experience made such an impression that Lou decided to become a Local Treasure herself. For several years she worked as a companion, supporting older people in her local community and seeing first-hand the difference those regular visits made to people’s lives.
So, when Local Treasures launched its franchise network, becoming a franchisee felt like the natural next step.
Today, Lou runs the Local Treasures franchise covering Haslemere, Petersfield, Petworth and Alton. She manages a growing team of more than 35 local Treasures, providing gardening, cleaning, handyman services, decorating and companionship to customers across the area.
Whilst all of the services are important, it is companionship that Lou is most passionate about.
“Companionship is about so much more than popping in for a cup of tea,” says Lou. “Many of our customers see the same Treasure two, three or even five times every week. Some receive daily visits. You build genuine relationships and become an important part of someone’s support network.”
From a business perspective, those long-term relationships also create a strong base of recurring revenue. But for Lou, the biggest reward is seeing how the different Local Treasures services work together.
“Our companions often spot little jobs that could make life easier for a customer. It might be fitting a grab rail, repairing a loose fence, tidying an overgrown garden or giving the house a thorough clean. Because we have trusted gardeners, cleaners and handymen in the same business, we can organise everything quickly.”
“Helping someone stay safe, secure and well maintained in their own home isn’t just good for the customer—it’s incredibly rewarding for our whole team.”
For Lou, Local Treasures isn’t simply a franchise. It’s a business that creates meaningful employment for local people whilst helping older residents remain independent in the homes they love.
“It’s wonderful knowing that every day we’re making life a little easier for both our customers and their families.”
