The in-home care franchise network has grown by 66 per cent in the last year
In 2017, US-born in-home care franchise Visiting Angels landed on UK shores. Launched by experienced franchise professional Dan Archer (pictured), the brand has experienced rapid expansion throughout the country. Over the course of the last year, whilst Dan and his network of franchisees have leapt into action - caring for their vulnerable clients during a time that the social care sector is pushed to its limits – the franchise network has grown by 66 per cent. With eight franchisees investing in the model and launching new offices in key regions across Surrey, Greater London and Buckinghamshire, the remainder of the year promises great things for the brand.
“We’ve invested significantly this year in ensuring our carers are equipped with all of the encouragement and resources they need to be able to deliver our exacting quality of care – whether that’s in terms of access to PPE, hygiene training or just emotional support,” said Dan. “Essentially, we put staff at the heart of the business; paying them generously for the amazing work they do, rewarding them for their service and ensuring they have enough time between care visits. The national turnover of care staff is 75 per cent but we have an impressively low 17 per cent - proof that our carer-centric values truly are making a difference. It’s because of our ethos that the demand for the franchise model here in the UK has grown exponentially in recent months.”
As a testament to the success of the in-home care franchise, the pilot office in Sheffield has been shortlisted for a national industry award, celebrating the innovative and ethical social care that has made a huge impact in their community. The Home Care Insight Leaders in Care Awards honours the care providers who have gone above and beyond in providing an exceptional level of care to clients over the past 12 months. Visiting Angels is also in the running for the Emerging Franchisor award at the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchise of the Year Awards later this year.
It is because of Visiting Angels’ global reputation that savvy investors are joining the fight against poor quality in-home care. Patrick Thompson and his business partner, John Madete, joined the Visiting Angels UK network earlier this year, launching their Surrey-based office – and subsequently receiving registration from the Care Quality Commission – in July. Both share Dan’s passion for improving the prospects for those working within the care sector and are determined to be part of a company that delivers the highest standard of personalised care.
“Experience has taught me that the very best care and support can only be given when the caregiver and the client are put at the centre of the service,” said Patrick. “That’s exactly what Visiting Angels is doing. In the wake of the pandemic, we recognise that our service is in demand more than ever before. Empathy is so important in this industry. Good care and support are based on great relationships and they are formed by having dedicated care staff who are well trained, experienced, reliable and compassionate.”
“We all feel hugely grateful to be in the position to change lives, especially during such challenging times,” added John. “We intend to make our mark in the local community by providing a superior service that will enable people to live comfortably and independently in their own homes, whilst alleviating the pressure felt by family members.”
Four years ago, when Dan launched the pilot Visiting Angels office in the UK in his hometown of Sheffield, his overarching commitment was to become the UK’s care sector’s employer of choice by 2022 – in turn, increasing demand for the brand’s empathetic and professional services and scope for growth through franchisee investment. With 20 operational offices – a number estimated to double in the next two years – the future looks exciting for this revolutionary in-home care franchise.