Aged care market will drive franchise growth; Paul Wheeler

• MEREDITH BOOTH

• From:AdelaideNow

• February 02, 2011

BABY Boomers are the target for a new Australasian franchise headed by former Cartridge World chiefs Paul Wheeler and Mike Fuller.
The duo has announced its first master franchise deal with US group Senior Helpers since launching their consultancy business Group Seven last year.
The deal comes three years after Mr Wheeler and co-founder Bryan Stokes sold down their share of the successful global Cartridge World business for a reported $70 million.
Group Seven aims to build a $150 million business in the next seven years as it opens 75 and 100 outlets across Australia and New Zealand to offer non-medical help to the elderly in their homes.
Mr Fuller said Australia was "crying out for an organised alternative" to services which help the elderly live in their own homes.
Demand for "companion and personal services" for the elderly is expected to grow as Australians aged over 65 double to 6 million by 2031, the group said.
"People want to stay in their homes. They want to be as independent as they can. It's not always possible for families to provide the full extent of that support and Senior Helpers is a fabulous business ...," Mr Wheeler said.
Senior Helpers founders Peter Ross and Tony Bonacuse, in Adelaide this week, operate the fastest growing home care company in the world, building to a 300-franchise business in just 10 years.
Mr Ross said he had been aware of the Cartridge World brand in the US before teaming with Group Seven and was confident the group would meet its Australasian ambitions, particularly with a more competitive US home care market than in Australia and similar demographics.
Senior Helpers deal with Group Seven is its first foray outside North America, spearheading international expansion plans which will target 16 countries.
The franchise will include a training component for aged care workers expected to be based at Group Seven's Norwood headquarters.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/aged-care-market-will-drive-franchise-growth-paul-wheeler/story-e6fredj3-1225998666516

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