Amrit Dhaliwal – SureCare Oxfordshire

Amrit Dhaliwal, 26, felt drawn to starting a SureCare franchise after seeing first-hand how vulnerable elderly people can be in our society.

He said: “I don’t come from a care background but became interested in running a business in this sector after caring for my grandfather. I saw how difficult it is for older people to continue to live on their own without day to day support.

“I like the ethos of SureCare which is all about providing clients with the highest possible quality of care. It allows me to run my own successful business while also giving back to the community.”

Amrit, one of SureCare’s youngest franchisees, started his career in recruitment after graduating from Keele University and went on to run an award-winning English tea room and restaurant in Richmond.

He said: “I was always keen to run my own business and the sales and marketing skills I learnt from my previous jobs continue to help me massively.

“I have lots of business experience, but the care sector is different. You can make a living, but you also gain the fulfilment that comes from improving people’s lives.

“Getting into care with a franchise is easier than starting up alone. I had no care background so the franchise helped me get set up.

“It’s reassuring to know that support is there if I need help with compliance issues and paperwork. That frees up tome to focus on quality care.”

Though Amrit has 15 care staff, he still provides care himself. “Having the time to spend with customers is vital. One of my clients Colin Colman loves Scrabble and I make time to have a game with him after I’ve given him his shower and breakfast.

“Another customer, a lady in her nineties with dementia, always loved to cook but is no longer able to. She loves being around the kitchen so she sits in the kitchen and chats to me, watching me cook for her.

“Making enough time for each individual is incredibly important and can have a tremendous impact on the quality of their care. You might be the only person they see that day, and if you can be relaxed, calm, interested and smile you can light up their life.”