Introducing Charles Folkes from Caremark in Redcar and Cleveland

Charles Folkes is one of Caremark's most successful franchisees, delivering over 3000 hours of care per week to vulnerable individuals in the Redcar & Cleveland area.

Funding his franchise half from personal capital and from a government-backed loan, Charles decided that a domiciliary care franchise was the most viable option.

"I researched various sectors before reaching the decision that domiciliary care offered the sustainability and a straightforward business model which allowed for positive cashflow and personal reward," he said.

As with all Caremark franchisees, Charles completed the two week training course provided by Lynda Goldmith, Caremark Ltd’s National Training Manager, before opening Caremark (Redcar & Cleveland).

Charles commented:

"(The course) gave me the tools to enter the world of care with confidence. Ongoing support includes a regional support manager and support from the head office team, which covers training, IT and financial aspects".

In his first 18 months of business, the challenge was to be included on the local authority provider list, especially as very little care in their region was privately funded. He credits his wife of over 35 years Julie, for being a driving force behind the success of the business.

"I love the fact that we are involved in providing an essential service to our local community and improve the quality of life of the people we support," Charles added.

In January 2014, Charles was awarded the Achievement Award at the Caremark annual conference, recognising his successes as a franchisee.

Through building volume of clients, despite the constraints of the local authority, Charles is keen to see his franchise continue to grow while ensuring that quality care remains his main objective.

If you would like to find out more about the Caremark franchise for yourself just click below

Franchising as a Family

Emily and Richard Magrath launched their Caremark franchise in 2013.

The Rising Franchisee Star

Raspinder launched his Caremark franchise in his home-town of Gravesend in February 2018.

Taking Control of the Future

Martin Steyn considered investing in a business in the care industry after researching care packages for his own grandmother.

Making The Change To Care

Robert Johnston turned his attention and talents to an industry which would satisfy his personal and financial rewards.

One Woman’s Journey from Health Care to Social Care

Sharan Dhaliwal launched her Caremark franchise after a career in the NHS, spanning 25 years.

Introducing Colin Evans from Caremark

Before buying his Caremark franchise, Colin Evans had a long and successful career in sales and sales management.

Martin Steyn Runs his Caremark franchise in Tunbridge Wells

A day in the life of Martin Steyn from Caremark in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling.

Sharan Dhaliwal Moved From The NHS To Caremark

Sharan Dhaliwal spent 25 years working for the NHS before becoming a franchisee for Caremark.

Duncan Smith Runs Caremark Kirklees

Duncan Smith was new to the social care sector when he started his Caremark franchise in Kirklees.

Introducing Andrew Peace & Mark McKenning From Caremark Barnsley

Friends and former colleagues Andrew Peace and Mark McKenning launched their first Caremark franchise in Barnsley in 2011.

The rewards of franchising with Sue Hills

Introducing Sue Hills from Caremark Mid-Sussex which she has been running since 2009.

Abhay Shah, Caremark Hillingdon, looks back on first year

Abhay Shah hadn't always planned to have a career in care but he looked into the prospect of starting his own business when daily number crunching became monotonous.

Introducing Richard and Emily Magrath from Caremark

Husband and wife team Richard and Emily Magrath are the owners of Caremark in North Down, Ards & Belfast.