Member Article

Leeds social care provider creates 30 new jobs as part of £3.2 million expansion

Leeds health and social care provider, Westward Care is building new independent living apartments alongside its newly refurbished care facility at Southlands in Roundhay, Leeds as part of a £3.2 million expansion project.

The development mirrors the Headingley Hall facility, also in Leeds, and is being undertaken with support from NatWest. It will create much needed accommodation for local older people and up to 30 new jobs.

Westward Care’s independent living apartments provide the perfect balance between independent living and supported care for residents and are a unique concept in Leeds.

Peter Hodkinson, managing director of Westward Care, said: “We are delivering on what the Government is asking of care providers through the expansion, which is providing customers with a greater choice of options. We will be asking customers what they want and how they want to be served.”

Building works will be ongoing during 2014, with apartments being available to buy and new care rooms ready for occupation in winter 2014/15.

Westward Care operates two other facilities: Headingley Hall, Headingley and Pennington Court, Beeston. The business in Headingley incorporates the independent living-model.

When the time came to expand Southlands, Peter turned to NatWest relationship director Carol Ramsbottom, who specialises in the healthcare sector, for support.

Peter said: “Carol is a highly knowledgeable and professional relationship director. She understands the care sector and what is needed by businesses like ours and has kept in touch with us throughout the project.” Carol said: “Westward Care provides a valuable service and I was delighted to support the business on this new project. I wish them every success for the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .