Franchise Owners - Steve & Julie Akroyd

We own and run the Macclesfield office of Home Instead Senior Care.

We started the business in January 2007 after a life spent in the corporate world.

Steve has a doctorate in Behavioural Psychology, and has spent  30 years working with IT companies, most recently as a consultant to HMG for Central Government departments, until a stroke curtailed his career.

Julie, meantime, has spent a number of years in corporate sales. She is a truly caring person and before setting up the business had experienced being a carer at close hand. Following the death of her mother at an early age, Julie looked after her grandmother for over 26 years. Despite this, she was involved in a number of other activities and held down a full time job and as they say, “ask a busy person! “Julie is always there to help and make things happen.

Steve takes care of the day to day running of the business, to guide and direct overall performance. Julie, on the other hand, takes care of the team in the office and also oversees client services to ensure that our clients are receiving the care they need and that families are happy with the support being provided.

“It is a real privilege for us to do the work we do not only to work together but also to work so closely with people in the local community.”

They live locally along with their cats Jet and Buffy and when they aren’t  working, they like to go travelling to see other parts of the world, and of course, they can always find time to meet up with friends for a good meal out.

Alison Light - Recruitment & Retention Officer

I have worked for Home Instead Senior Care here in Macclesfield since July 2012. I was born in Macclesfield and have previously worked locally in people centred roles such as Human Resources and Training. Prior to joining Home Instead I was helping teenagers to gain long term work experience placement and coordinated this alongside teachers, pupils and parents.

I’m really excited about working with Home Instead, this is exactly the kind of role that I love. I work best when helping other people and this role fits right in to that.   

Alison is married with a son and loves the outdoors; she can often be found walking her black Labrador and is a keen photographer.

Financial Admin Assistant - Annette Horan

I have worked for Steve and Julie since February 2010. My background was in finance, working for Barclays Bank for 18 years. So my past experience comes in very useful in my current position which involves processing timesheets, expenses and general  bookkeeping duties.

I live in Macclesfield, with my husband, daughter and cat.