Home Instead Cleveland win prestigious award!
Home Instead Cleveland have been awarded "Which Franchise of the Year 2023"
Cleveland couple who turned their desire to help vulnerable people into a successful business has won a coveted industry award.
Gavin Morrigan and Michelle Fairless, the owners of Home Instead Cleveland, are the recipients of a Great British Franchisee Award, the most prestigious accolade in the highly competitive sector.
“They truly are a shining example of people who came to us with the right attitude and a desire to be the best at what they do,” says Imogen Clarke, the network’s Head of Franchise Development.
“Gavin and Michelle trusted in the business model and worked incredibly hard, and their journey has become a case study we use to inspire newer franchisees.”
Their company provides non-medical care and companionship to older people in their own homes, arranging homecare services that include the option of a live-in carer – a dream shared by both Michelle and Gavin.
“When my parents became ill, I really began to understand the weight of the responsibility families have in caring for loved ones at home with a lack of suitable support,” says Michelle.
“That, coupled with Gavin’s desire to set up a business that would help the local community, especially often-forgotten older people, led us to Home Instead.
“It also meant we could play a part in tackling the high level of unemployment in the area, again, benefitting the local community. We now have over 140 employees!”
With backgrounds in human resources and financial services, the couple were well-equipped to manage and develop their business into the highly successful organisation it’s become. They benefited from extensive training and a clear franchise agreement, which provided the necessary support and guidance.
“We’re on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year,” says Gavin. “Many clients have no family around them, or at all, and therefore their happiness and safety and enjoyment in life as well as health concerns can be all down to us and our ever-growing team of genuinely caring care professionals and fantastic office staff. Whether it’s for a few weeks or long-term, hiring a paid carer can make a significant difference in their lives.
“Having people completely depend upon us is an incredible responsibility that many people outside the care sector don’t necessarily feel or need to understand.”
One of only 4% of provider with a CQC Outstanding rating
The industry regulator, the Care Quality Commission, rates the business as Outstanding, while it’s the top-rated home care company in Teesside, according to client review site homecare.co.uk.
“Despite our living in a less affluent area than a lot of the UK, last month we were the third highest performing Home Instead office in the country,” says Michelle.
“We’re very proud, too, that in our nine years of operation, we have never had a formal complaint made to us. Our whole business is structured to tease out any issues before they become problems.”
The business helped pioneer a Protecting Seniors From Fraud initiative in which it held over 200 free presentations to explain in detail the scams and frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable people and giving the tools and techniques necessary to avoid them.
“We were awarded a Service to the Community business award in the Mayor’s Good Citizen Awards, and we were also recognised as the Most Community-Minded Business in the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland’s Community Safety Awards.”
When asked what the award meant to them, Gavin replied, “Michelle and I are incredibly honoured to have been recognised as a Great British Franchisee. Winning such a prestigious award is a huge testament to our Care Managers and the exceptional team of truly caring and dedicated office staff we employ who support our loyal and committed Care Professionals, day in, day out.
Together, we know we make an invaluable, often life-changing difference to the lives of many, many people in the privacy of their own homes. To have our personal as well as company vision and values recognised with such a high profile, and national recognition is humbling, and we’re delighted to accept this award on behalf of all our wonderful employees who give so much to their clients at every opportunity.”
About the Award
Recognizing excellence in home care
Home Instead Cleveland is immensely proud to have received this prestigious award, which underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional home care services in the Teesside area. This accolade is a testament to the relentless hard work and dedication of our team, who strive every day to provide the highest quality care to our clients. Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of older adults, allowing them to live comfortably and safely in their own homes.
A testament to the team’s hard work and dedication
Our team’s passion for providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each client is at the heart of what we do. We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live in their own home, surrounded by the people and things they love. Our award-winning care is designed to support our clients in achieving this goal, and we are thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts. This award is a reflection of the dedication and compassion that our team brings to their work every single day.
A prestigious honor in the industry
Receiving this award is a significant honor in the home care industry, and we are proud to be counted among the top providers in the UK. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted and reliable care company. We are grateful for this recognition, which motivates us to continue striving for the highest standards in home care.
Community Involvement
Based in Teesside
Home Instead Cleveland is proud to be based in Stockton on Tees. Our location allows us to effectively serve the local community, providing high-quality home care services to those who need them. Being situated in the heart of Stockton on Tees enables us to be an active and engaged member of the community. We are committed to continuing our efforts to support and care for the people of Teesside, ensuring that they receive the best possible care in the comfort of their own homes.