Brand new initiative to tackle mental health crisis in franchising

A game-changing solution to support franchise networks across the UK.

Mental health and resilience are being rapidly recognised as huge influential factors towards a business’ success. In fact, they’ve become an essential part of a franchisor’s roles and responsibilities in franchisee support, yet there has been little-to-no tangible options available for brands acknowledging the need to act - until now.

A brand-new initiative brought to the franchise industry by Cinder Ltd., sees franchisors able to access regular, ongoing support for their networks that is affordable and effective. Bringing together a unique combination of expertise in both franchising and mental health, founder Jen Chapman-Boffin, has developed an accessible solution to combat the mental health crisis in franchising. Proud to introduce a complete solution to franchisors, founder Jen says “Our new monthly membership support, means franchisors can empower their network to learn about, develop and even strengthen their mental fitness as a business owner. This then allows them to use their time and energy together to focus on what matters for the business and brand, growth and profitability.”

Business ownership is inescapably tough. It comes with ongoing challenges that are often unavoidable and we know this takes its toll on a business leader. There are over 700,000 people employed within the franchise industry, through 48,000+ franchise systems in the UK alone. With the latest statistic being that 1 in 4 adults experience mental health challenges yearly, it equates to a devastating 175,000+ people within the franchise industry who are struggling. Mental health is no buzz word.

The company was founded in direct response to the mental health crisis that continues to shake the core of UK businesses, even years on from the pandemic. “The Cinder theory is simple but proven,” explains Jen. “Franchisees who are more self and mentally aware, emotionally resilient, and able to cope with daily stressors, will be more effective as business owners. They are more likely to adopt a growth mindset, become less reliant on external support and have the confidence and ability to lead their businesses and their teams to success.”

A fully trained Mental Health First Aid consultant herself, Jen is passionate about delivering a truly compassionate service that is standards-led and results-driven. Her extensive background in franchising has seen her working closely with franchisees, franchisors, and most recently, within the British Franchise Association. Her knowledge and belief in the area has even led her to becoming a franchisee herself, delivering emotional wellbeing classes to children, with the desire to “equip children with these essential life-skills now, so that in years to come that 1 in 4 figure will change for the better”.

This unique 360 perspective allows Jen to understand and navigate the nuances and complexities of relationships within the industry like no other.

Ideally packaged to slot seamlessly alongside existing network support, Cinder Ltds’ ‘The Business Balance Hub’, sees franchisees able to access a vast amount of tailored wellbeing support at their fingertips. With four core elements the monthly membership delivers; 1. monthly 1-2-1 mental fitness sessions, 2. a purpose-built, interactive resource portal, with practical tools to manage overwhelm, stress, anxiety, and even nutrition and parental mental health; 3. regular guidance on the latest mental health at work developments and how to care for your wellbeing as a business owner, and finally, 4., access to a first-of-its-kind, quarterly franchisee wellbeing forum to air, share and connect across the industry.

Franchising is a route to business ownership that should see its people seen and supported. It’s time we act upon that and change the future landscape of franchise support.