It’s set to be another illustrious year for the care franchise with the brand finishing 2021 celebrating multiple successes throughout one of the most unprecedented periods of a generation
The carer-centric, in-home care provider, Visiting Angels, who in recent months has recruited 23 new carers in Sheffield alone, launched in the UK in 2017 and in just four years, has been recognised for being one of the leading care providers in the country.
On 10 December, the UK network came together for its first in-person national conference. It was an ideal opportunity for franchisees to share their thoughts and plans for 2022, as well as being given the opportunity to learn from industry-leading experts in the franchise and care industries.
Keynote speakers included experienced leadership coach and former Army Brigadier, Nicky Moffatt CBE and authority on care recruitment, Neil Eastwood, among others. Speakers shared their insight and ideas for applying expert business acumen in parallel with a key element of Visiting Angels’ mission – to redefine the role of carers in society and, by so doing, deliver a new standard of person-centred care. Other sessions focused on not only how areas of the business could be advanced, but ways in which their carer-centric brand could improve the day-to-day conditions of those wishing to work in the sector. Later, at a black-tie event, awards were presented to the dedicated franchisees and exceptional care staff who contributed to the success of the in-home care provider throughout the year.
Dan Archer, managing director of Visiting Angels UK, sees these successes as steps in the right direction towards establishing Visiting Angels not only as a leading care provider in the country but as the leading care franchise in the UK. With the brand’s commitment to putting carers at the heart of the business, Visiting Angels is already leading the charge as an ethical care employer.
“I’m very proud of the achievements of our incredible team across the country this year,” he said. “Despite the difficulties faced by the care industry throughout the pandemic, we have continued to provide unmatched, passion-driven services to everyone who takes advantage of what we offer. But the work doesn’t stop after one successful year! Our conference at the end of 2021 was an opportunity to come together as a network and lay the foundations towards moving forward as a brand and establishing what more we can be doing in the industry to confirm our mission and goals for the future.
“While we seem to be re-entering uncertain territory regarding COVID as new variants and waves enter the country, one thing is for certain – we are a brand whose mission to put carers at the heart of our business translates into a delivery of our service of which we can be immensely proud to replicate for 2022 and years to come.”
This celebratory period comes at a timely few months for Visiting Angels. As the in-home care provider continues to pursue becoming the UK’s employer of choice in the care industry, its goals for moving forward have been affirmed by the brand’s recognition as being one of the top three emerging franchisors in the UK at the HSBC British Franchise Association Franchisor of the Year Awards. To add to its accolades, Visiting Angels was a finalist in the Homecare Insight Leaders in Care Awards in the Business Initiative of the Year category.
These industry credits come after an incredibly difficult 18 months for caregivers. With this in mind, Dan hosted Carefest, a fun festival-style event, with live music acts and food trucks. Hosted last July, the event was held in celebration and appreciation of the teams’ dedication and commitment to the industry despite the toll it had taken during the pandemic. Dan extended the invitation to all local NHS and frontline staff, including the team working at the vaccination centre in Chapeltown, near Sheffield, where the office operated by Dan is based.
2022 is primed for success for Visiting Angels. As plans are well underway for another year of network expansion, Dan looks forward to continuing his commitment to making the career-centric approach to in-home care in the UK fundamental. Through being a spokesperson for the industry and using his expert insight in moving care in the UK forward, the future of in-home care looks positive.