Adie Twining
Adie Twining, a Southampton businessman, decided to reshape his career path during the pandemic after almost 30 years in a corporate role with McDonald’s by becoming a franchisee with Tutor Doctor, the in-home and online tutoring franchise.
Twining explained that after working for the multinational fast food company, he wanted to do something that improved the life chances of young people which also enabled him to retain his involvement and active fundraising with local charities – Simon Says and Ronald McDonald House Charities – both of which are very close to this heart.
Nine months after launching his Tutor Doctor franchise, Twining says he is now working with many families across the region and achieving a better work-life balance with a sense of pride and satisfaction that he has always dreamed of.
Twining comments: “Working in the community means the world to me. Having moved to Southampton from Cornwall, I feel my roots of 30 years are here. I have a lot of love and pride for the region, and it makes you feel great to be making a difference for local students. I’ve been able to already help so many local families and children. Schools are doing a great job, but with the learning loss from the pandemic, they are under pressure, and we can help support students, families and schools with this catch-up. As a local resident, that means a lot to me.
“I underestimated the feeling of reward I would receive from this work and the satisfaction and sense of partnership you get from being part of a team, working with tutors, students and their families. My priorities have also changed over the years, and the pandemic allowed me the time to reflect on what matters most – giving back whilst also having a successful business so I can provide for my family now and in the future.”
Franchising background
Twining said he had worked his way up the corporate ladder to become director of franchising at McDonald’s, after graduating with a business studies degree from the University of Southampton. With family commitments coupled with the pandemic he decided to leave his successful corporate life to run his own business.
Twining added that he and his wife, Tracy, feel they are very lucky to have been brought up by parents who understood the value of a good education. The couple have tried to do the same for their three children, each of whom have benefitted from private tuition built upon school learning, which contributed to their academic achievements and self-confidence.
Twining continues: “We have worked hard to attract an outstanding group of local tutors. They share our vision and are fully committed to delivering an outstanding learning experience for the young people whose parents entrust us with their education. Not only do they provide support on specific curriculum content, but they also help their students to build confidence and develop the skills required to become lifelong learners.
“The education sector and our clients have embraced me with open arms, and I’m so pleased that I made the move when I did. I’m really excited about my future and being able to empower as many students as possible to achieve their full potential – being able to equip them with all of the tools they need to succeed in school, in work, and in life is how I will measure the success of my business.”
With ambitious goals for his Central Southampton and Salisbury territory, Twining would like to expand into other towns and cities over the next five years. He would also like to bring Tracy into the business to make use of her HR and training skillset, and looking even further ahead once retired, for one of his children to take on his legacy.
www.tutordoctorfranchise.com