Raspinder launched his Caremark franchise in his home-town of Gravesend in February 2018. His franchise is already thriving, with care worker retention and community outreach at the core of his business.
Before launching his franchise, Raspinder earnt a degree in Management with Accounting & Finance from Royal Holloway, before embarking on a career as a Financial Analyst in the heart of London. Before long, Raspinder came to realise that, instead of feeling fulfilled by his career path, he was essentially ‘ticking boxes’.
“I took a step back and reassessed my priorities. I’ve always been entrepreneurially minded and take great pride in supporting others – I’m an integral member of the Sikh community and had been working with my local temple on a voluntary basis. As a member of a large, extended family, I also know first-hand how important it is to keep families at home, together, where possible. This opened my eyes to the support I could offer the vulnerable residents in the area – the way I saw it, launching a care business would combine my passion for supporting others with my determination to succeed.”
Raspinder considered the options available to him and, with the tried-and-tested model of an in-home care franchise, he opted to invest in a franchise which most suited his values.
“A Caremark franchise really appealed to me. Obviously, the fact that the brand has a level of recognition and is respected within the care community resonated with me, but I was more intrigued by the level of support available. My will to succeed and a passion for community wasn’t enough to guarantee business performance – I would need the backing of industry experts and professionals too. I spent time doing my due diligence, researching other providers in the area and speaking with existing franchisees. I was instantly impressed by the collaborative nature of the network – everyone was accommodating and more than happy to exchange best practice.”
Raspinder’s initial business plan incorporated a projected rate of growth, in terms of client hours and care worker retention. Within nine months, he increased client hours from zero to 500 per week. In addition, and in line with his original estimations, care workers have consistently joined the team. Despite this rapid growth, it is the quick rate at which his Caremark franchise was able to support charitable causes which continues to drive Raspinder to achieve.
“My priority as a business owner was to put my standing in the community to good use, by regularly contributing to local and national charities. Within months of launching the business, we had submitted our first financial grant. That gave me an immense sense of satisfaction and continues to do so, one-year in. Our latest charity initiative saw us raising funds for Dementia UK, by hosting a coffee morning, and hand-delivering freshly-baked scones to our house-bound clients. Whilst this, obviously, benefits those who certainly deserve the support, it also raises the profile of the business and increases credibility of the brand.”
Martin Steyn considered investing in a business in the care industry after researching care packages for his own grandmother.
Robert Johnston turned his attention and talents to an industry which would satisfy his personal and financial rewards.
Sharan Dhaliwal launched her Caremark franchise after a career in the NHS, spanning 25 years.
Before buying his Caremark franchise, Colin Evans had a long and successful career in sales and sales management.
A day in the life of Martin Steyn from Caremark in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling.
Sharan Dhaliwal spent 25 years working for the NHS before becoming a franchisee for Caremark.
Duncan Smith was new to the social care sector when he started his Caremark franchise in Kirklees.
Friends and former colleagues Andrew Peace and Mark McKenning launched their first Caremark franchise in Barnsley in 2011.
Introducing Sue Hills from Caremark Mid-Sussex which she has been running since 2009.
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.
Husband and wife team Richard and Emily Magrath are the owners of Caremark in North Down, Ards & Belfast.
Caremark's Charles Folkes delivers over 3000 hours of care per week to vulnerable individuals in the Redcar and Cleveland area.
After doing some research, there was really no doubt in our minds, that the only choice we would be happy with would be Caremark, given the emphasis on care and not profit.– Richard Magrath, Caremark North Down, Ards & Belfast
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.– Charles Folkes, Caremark Redcar & Cleveland
Since I joined, Caremark has done everything they promised they would do. The support has always been there and Kevin Lewis has even come out and given me a morale boost when I've needed it.Amarjit Gill, Caremark Redditch & Bromsgrove
CEO and founder of Caremark Kevin Lewis has over 25 years of experience in the UK home care sector
A strong ratio of 15:1 between franchisees and Regional Support Managers