Christopher Neal
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From Investment Banking to Building a Business with Purpose
Six years ago, Chris made a life-changing decision: he left a successful career in investment banking to follow a long-held ambition — to run his own business. It wasn’t an easy path, and it wasn’t without setbacks, but today Chris is the proud owner of a thriving Right at Home franchise that’s making a real difference in people’s lives every day.
“From a young age, I’d been drawn to the idea of owning my own business,” Chris says. “But life took over — I built a career, bought a house, started a family. It was a good life, but I wasn’t passionate about it.”
In 2018, the stars aligned when Chris was offered the chance to leave his role with a financial payout. “It felt like my ‘now or never’ moment. I didn’t want to look back with regret. I wanted to build something meaningful.”
Finding the Right Fit
Chris explored dozens of business and franchise opportunities. But nothing sparked his interest.
“Months went by and nothing really reeled me in – after all, this whole move was supposed to be about finding something I was passionate about rather than just a business opportunity.
“Then out of the blue my wife asked if I’d looked into the homecare sector. I hadn’t, but after about five minutes I was hooked. The penny finally dropped that what I really wanted was an opportunity to do something of value to other people. And when it came to homecare as a sector, the more I learned, the more I just knew I had to do it.”
He’d seen the effects of poor dementia care in his own family and was drawn to a model that prioritised quality of life, dignity, and independence. When he came across Right at Home, it stood out immediately.
“What impressed me most was the honesty. Ken, CEO at the time, was totally open about the challenges. He talked about the personal resilience you’d need — and he was absolutely right. But it was clear this was a business built around people, not just profit.”
Chris also vividly recalls his grandfather’s experience in a dementia care unit. “It was one of the worst places I have ever been in my life. He had much more clarity than the other residents, and being in that environment just broke him. I still carry the guilt of not knowing there were better alternatives. That’s what drives me — knowing we can offer people something so much better.”
That commitment was tested — and reinforced — when Chris’s mum became a Client of his service.
“To be on the receiving end of the care we deliver really hit me. You think you know how good your team is — but when it’s your own family, it becomes so much more personal. The compassion, the patience, the professionalism — it was everything I hoped it would be, and more.”
He adds, “One of our carers said to her, ‘You’ve done your bit – now it’s your turn to be looked after.’ That really stuck with me. It was so simple, but it said everything about the way we treat people — with warmth, respect and humanity.”
Resilience and Reward
Chris launched his franchise in September 2019, just months before COVID-19 changed everything. At the time, he was just breaking even with around 200 care hours.
“And then the phones stopped ringing,” he recalls. “We couldn’t grow the business, and we couldn’t recruit. I underestimated just how much resilience I’d need.”
Despite the setbacks, Chris dug deep. He stayed committed to his core value: to be the best homecare provider he could be — every day. That passion carried him through the pandemic, and it now fuels his team.
“I love seeing our values lived out by my team. They care as much as I do. That gives me a real buzz.”
The Power of the Right Team
Over the last six years, Chris has built an outstanding team who share his purpose and passion. “We’ve created something special — a culture where people love what they do and take pride in doing it well.”
He speaks often about how much pride he feels in his carers. “Every day our amazing team makes a life-enhancing difference — not just to each of their clients, but to their families and friends too. You cannot place too high a value on knowing that the people you love are being well cared for and continuing to enjoy life, even when things become challenging.”
Chris is also deeply appreciative of the support from Right at Home’s National Office and the wider franchise network. “It genuinely feels like a family. The peer support and collaboration are second to none. So much effort goes into recruiting high-calibre franchise owners — it’s flattering company to be in.”
Every Day Is Different – And That’s the Joy of It
Running a Right at Home franchise is no ordinary job — and that’s exactly why Chris loves it. “No two days are the same. There are always new challenges, but also so many moments of joy and achievement.”
He continues, “It’s the perfect balance of challenge and support. I genuinely can’t believe people try to do this independently. There’s no way I could have built a business like this without Right at Home behind me.”
Chris’s Advice for Future Franchise Owners
“This isn’t an easy ride — and it’s not a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. You need commitment, passion, and real resilience. But if you care deeply about people, and you want to build something that matters, there’s no better opportunity than Right at Home.”
Inspired by Chris’s story?
If you're ready to turn your ambition into a purpose-driven business, and want the backing of an award-winning brand that truly puts people first, get in touch with the Right at Home team today.
Join a Community of Business Owners Who Care
Right at Home franchisees build more than just a business; they build a care team dedicated to going the extra mile. With 6.5 million seniors requiring daily assistance, Right at Home offers exceptional home-based care, with the aim of making a difference every day.
- With or without previous care experience, you can build a truly rewarding business
- Our RightStart training programme guides you through every step
- Be part of a unique caring culture of driven business owners
- With the support of our national office team, deliver the highest standard of care
If you share our franchisees’ passion to make a valuable difference to your local community, find out more about our award-winning management franchise.