Three Hertfordshire mums have teamed up, with their combined bookkeeping experience of 50 years, to offer others a chance to start their own business, but with the security of their backing.

The Rosemary Bookkeeping franchise is backed by entrepreneur business women Mandy Bagot from Edgware, Lisa Curteis from Chipperfield and Claire Watson-Bardot from Hemel Hempstead.

They have set up the system, so all entrepreneurs have to do is follow what they have established but have the freedom to run their own business.

Lisa said: “If you are looking to start your own business but would prefer to have the support of a proven business model and distinctive brand identity, the Rosemary Bookkeeping Franchise could be the ideal opportunity for you to pursue.”

Mandy continued: “We recognise it may be daunting to go it alone and therefore we offer the freedom and accomplishment of being your own boss, combined with the assurance of having a team to help you along the way.”

Mandy, Lisa and Claire offer people with an interest in figures and the ability to use a computer the chance to branch out with their own business but with expert training in their unique Rosemary System. This will ensure you are given the confidence from the start to offer your clients first rate bookkeeping services.

Claire said: “What’s great about this opportunity is that with support, you can take on a franchise of an existing company and because the service is outsourced there is no need for an office, you can work from the comfort of your home.”

Managing director and creator of the Rosemary System, Mandy Bagot, a qualified certified accountant, started her career as an accountancy trainee with The John Lewis Partnership. Subsequently moving into public practice, she gained audit experience and qualified in 1991, aged 26. A change in career direction became necessary in order to raise a family and work nearer home. She consequently joined a firm of accountants in North London specialising in small and medium-sized businesses.

An keen golfer, Mandy lives with her husband Arvin and children Tasmin and Tobias.

Lisa is franchise director and her considerable business skills were honed during her nine years with a firm of management consultants. She joined when the company was first formed and played a key role in its ensuing development.

Fulfilling a personal ambition to share her business know-how with others, Lisa joined the board of Rosemary Bookkeeping in 2009. She lives with her husband Fraser and daughters Lily and Ella. A fitness enthusiast of some ability, she competes in a local netball league.

Training director Claire began her career in the registrar’s department of the Bank of England.

Progressing along an interesting and quite unusual path, Claire became one of the first members of staff appointed to the Bank of England’s museum. A transfer to the Bank’s public liaison group followed, with further promotion that involved dealing with correspondence on behalf of the governor of the Bank of England. In 2002 Claire took the decision to leave the City and join Mandy to establish the original business.

A wildlife enthusiast, she lives with her husband Jim and daughter Phoebe.

Mandy, Lisa and Claire say time and money can be saved with the franchise and that Rosemary Bookkeeping responds to the increasing need in the UK for an affordable, professional bookkeeping service that supports the client and the accountant.

The Rosemary Franchise pilot was undertaken by former NHS administrator Malcolm Hartley. He said: “I saw the vast opportunity for business growth that this franchise allows. I didn’t have any former bookkeeping processing experience, but The Rosemary System was logical to learn and after completing initial training, including working on mock data, I felt I was ready for the real thing. I now have plans to scale up my franchise by taking on a network of bookkeepers.”

For more information of how to get involved by taking up a franchise telephone 01442 800147 or visit www.rosemaryfranchise.com.