Home care provider Caremark announced a 140 per cent increase in the group's turnover during the 2009 period at its third Annual Conference in January.

More than 70 attendees enjoyed a day of seminars followed by a gala dinner and awards ceremony, which comprised this year's conference, entitled 'In Pursuit of Excellence', at the Belfry hotel near Birmingham.

Calum Gray, of Caremark (Winchester and Eastleigh), said: "It really was an eye-opener to arrive and find such a large group of people, evidence if it were needed of the increasing size not only of the national network but also of the Support team!"

During the day, members of the Caremark Support Team and invited speakers delivered presentations announcing some key growth indicators and targets for the year ahead.

The awards were presented by Kevin Lewis, Managing Director and Sean Cragg, National Operations Director of Caremark. The event was themed around the Caremark network's commitment to achieving excellence in every aspect both during 2010 and into the future.

Chris Wandel, UK Franchise Recruitment Manager of Caremark revealed the groups' intention to increase the network's size by 50 per cent by recruiting an additional 24 offices in the UK. Sue Hills, of Caremark (Mid-Sussex), said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and have a really positive feeling about this year, and I can really see the benefits of being part of such a network."

The Caremark network now consists of over 50 offices in the UK and Ireland, providing home care services to adults and children in their own homes and in the community.

Award winners

Leeds

Farina Tayub, Managing Director of Caremark (Leeds) was presented with the 'Franchisee of the Year' Award, which recognises the standards of care delivery, growth of the business and sticking to the Caremark system.

Farina's has also had some impressive success outside the group, including two externally recognised awards towards the end of 2009.

Caremark's National Operations Director Sean Cragg said: "This is the second time Farina has won this award and she proves herself to be an exemplary figure within the Caremark network, there were several terrific performances by other franchise owners this year, but her external recognition and awards tipped the balance in her favour."

Farina said: "If you were to ask me what I was doing right, then the only thing that I can say is that in our business there is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of the Caremark system, and what this brings.

"Caremark is the best investment I have ever made and I like to share that belief with the rest of the network."

Luton & South Bedfordshire

Nick and Samantha Wellington of Caremark (Luton & South Bedfordshire) were presented the 'Mark of Excellence' Award.

This award represents not only the excellent standards of care delivered throughout Caremark's operations but also their consistent and determined approach, evidenced within their most recent inspection report.

Kevin Lewis described Nick and Samantha's achievements as reflected in "their passion and belief in the business, their personal commitment to deliver care to nothing less than the highest standards, and their excellent attention to detail. At no time, have I seen any sign of them being prepared to accept second best."

Nick said: "We are delighted to win this prestigious national award. This is testament to the commitment, hard work and dedication of all our staff. My staff attend a comprehensive training programme before they start with us, and on-going training throughout their

employment. This award confirms my belief that we employ excellent staff, and this is very much their award - they should be very proud of this achievement."

Samantha added: "Being the registered Care Manager as well as the business owner ensures that quality care is at the forefront of everything we do. I can make sure that we are delivering the highest standards of care to all of our clients every single day."

New Forest

Karen Walters, right, of Caremark (New Forest), won the 'Achievement' Award - one of three different achievements presented at the Annual Conference.

The Achievement Award was presented in recognition of Caremark (New Forest's) outstanding growth throughout 2009, representative of the high standards of care and support being delivered.
Sean Cragg said: "Karen and her team have proved to be a marvellous addition to Caremark, and the hard work and dedication shown throughout the year has resulted in one of the best start up performances thus far."

A delighted Karen said: "I have to say a big thank you to all of our staff who work very hard to provide our service users with the highest standards of care. We constantly receive excellent feedback from our customers and this confirms to me that we are doing a good job - this I feel is the most important achievement possible."

Above: Nick and Samantha Wellington

Below: Karen Walters

Above: Karen Precious of Caremark East Riding and Caremark's Regional Support Manager Paul Richards

Below: Farina Tayub

Published: 16 March 2010

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