As the aged population of Britain continues to grow, so does the need for top-quality, reliable and professional homecare. Caremark’s well-deserved reputation for providing these services puts them at the forefront of this rapidly expanding industry.
After yet another year of record growth, and a bolstering of their already superb support network, Caremark are once again looking for ambitious, driven and like minded business-partners. With the brand stronger than ever, a booming market and with limited franchise territories still available, there’s never been a better time to invest in a Caremark franchise.
2020 has been a year of turmoil and unpredictability for most. Despite this, one line on the graph continues to steadily climb – the increasing need for homecare services amongst the elderly and vulnerable.
Over the past few decades, society has found ways of enjoying fitter, healthier and subsequently longer lives. This, in turn, has meant a greater urgency for providing top-class quality care for those aged 65 and over. In particular, there has been a meteoric rise in the demand for homecare, where those requiring assistance can remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
The figures are stark: a 2018 study, involving Newcastle University and the London School of Economics, discovered that the over-85s are the country’s fastest-growing demographic. An age group they forecasted to double by 2035.
In the same year the Office of National Statistics (ONS) calculated that 1/5 people are aged 65 years or over. This is on-course to become 1/4 by 2038. The ONS value the market for informal adult care at over £60 billion a year, with approximately two million adults in the UK benefitting from this much-needed assistance.
Last year a survey conducted by YouGov found that 92%, of those questioned aged 65 and over, wanted to remain in their own home, rather than move into a care home. Dr Jane Townson, chief executive of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, which commissioned this survey, said: “Supporting people at home benefits individuals as well as their wider community of family, friends and neighbours. It also reduces cost and demand for the NHS.”
Despite the countless statistics testifying to the strength of the care-industry, it is by no means just a game of numbers. There is the upmost duty of care and respect shown to people’s lives and experiences. Helping individuals find the right care-support worker to welcome into their home, which is vastly preferable to moving into residential care. A task no one does better than Caremark, the West Sussex-based home care provider, with 110 franchisees and counting across the UK.
Caremark, which became a franchise business 16 years ago, is keen to expand its number of partners to cater for the growing needs of this industry. CEO Kevin Lewis stressed the importance of finding the right people, stating: “They should be ambitious and driven in business, yet also have a genuine passion for providing outstanding care within their community“. As for the company itself, the Caremark network grew, on average, 20% during 2020.
Kevin believes Caremark‘s business model provides the perfect solution for today’s elderly generation, saying: “More often, people are far happier to stay in the comfort of their own home and have friendly, reliable and trustworthy support come in and look after them. We take pride in providing these services, whether it be 24/7, for one hour a day, or even just an hour a week. We are completely flexible. At Caremark, we tailor our care service to meet an individual client’s needs, whatever they may be. This gives great peace of mind for the elderly and their families, and is a great career opportunity for those passionate about providing care.”
Kevin’s own career in this business began during the late 1980s, opening his first residential home in Hove, Sussex. Since then he has gone on to continuously shape home-care in the UK, an industry he has led from the front. Taking pride in Caremark‘s low management fees he explained: “When I started, I set the management service fee (MSF) at 4.5%, which we calculated to be the lowest and most fair rate we can offer – whilst continuing to provide top-level support to our network. Unlike other domiciliary care franchises, Caremark is solely British owned. This means no royalties are sent back over-seas, saving our UK network of franchisee’s millions, and ensuring that their growth and development continue to be our primary focus”.
Despite this incredibly competitive fee, Caremark’s business model and support network are second to none. Kevin went on: “We cover all bases in helping our franchisees to set up their own highly profitable, award-winning businesses. From CQC registration, comprehensive in-house training and staff recruitment, to ongoing support in developing their business, the Caremark model is tried and tested.”
Those keen to tap into the home-care revolution do not need to have a background in the sector, because full training is provided, along with ongoing support. Business management experience is more important, along with a passion for the care sector, and a genuine desire to grow a community-based service.
Do you have what it takes to run a top home-care business? This is what Caremark looks for in their franchisees:
- • Caring attitude towards others
- • An ambition and determination to succeed
- • An entrepreneurial spirit
- • A commitment to high standards
- • An interest in working with people
- • Excellent communication skills
- • An appreciation of networking and business relationships
- • General management skills
- • £35,000 available to invest.
Caremark is a full member of the British Franchise Association and compiles an annual network turnover of £100 million. Caremark is an established and highly regarded home care provider offering home care, personal support, home help and companionship services. They are the largest UK owned homecare franchise network. Elite Franchise have just put together a report on this fantastic opportunity and you can view this for free – click here
