With the help of Caremark, Ash Sajjad is developing three dynamic businesses
Ahsan Sajjad - known as Ash - has always wanted to work in a caring capacity. Good with numbers, he started his career as a financial controller, having gained a master’s degree in international finance. Although Ash quickly found success in his chosen field, his heart wasn’t in it and the time came for the young entrepreneur to move onto pastures new.
Franchising appealed to Ash for all manner of reasons, but it was a franchise in the care industry specifically that saw him researching opportunities in detail.
“To put it simply, launching a care business just seemed like the right thing to do,” Ash says. “I had a background in business and finance supporting me, so if I could help others in my community while also running a successful business, well then that’s a win-win.”
Caremark is the largest privately owned care franchise in the UK. As a management opportunity, Caremark business owners are responsible for the strategic growth and development of their franchise. They engage and train teams of dedicated care workers, who deliver personalised care to people in their own homes.
Doubling success
Ash took over operations at Caremark Dacorum & St Albans, based just a few miles from his home in Hemel Hempstead, in August 2017. With the ability to make a direct impact on his community in terms of quality in home care and employment opportunities, Ash thrived in his new role as managing director. In just 18 months, his team grew to 30 fully qualified care workers and office staff.
Recognising a sense of ambition, the Caremark franchise development team began communicating about further franchise opportunities with Ash. He was eager to launch a new office.
A division of strength
Following registration from the Care Quality Commission, Caremark Welwyn & Hatfield rapidly went from strength to strength. Within a year, the care team grew, with 25 care workers providing 450 hours of care per week to 42 clients.
Alongside the operation of his new territory, Ash didn’t let his multi-unit status get the better of him. By recruiting a proactive and experienced office team, he put his management skills and business acumen to good use.
“We received an ‘excellent’ rating following an inspection by the regional division of the Directors of Adult Social Services,” Ash says. “We were also rated ‘good’ after our first inspection from the CQC, which anyone in care will tell you is no mean feat.”
Triple the reach
When the former franchisee of Caremark North Hertfordshire & Stevenage made the decision to retire, Ash willingly stepped in at the end of 2018, expanding his business portfolio and maintaining the careers of 36 care workers.
“As any successful entrepreneur would agree, downtime is often fleeting, but I make time for myself at the weekend,” he says.
“You’ll often find me in the local gym, spending time with family or reading a history book or two. Managing and developing three successful and dynamic businesses has certainly kept me busy.”
Ash’s initial strengths may have started in finance, but his heart was always focused on his community.
If you have a head for business, but a passion for caring, Caremark offers the training and support to guide you into successful business ownership.
