Member Article

Successful sisters unveil expansion plans and new care home

SISTERS expanded a successful care business and acquired their dream home with the support of a prominent finance firm.

FFP Solutions, based in St Asaph, secured “significant investment” for sisters Olwen Dean, Helen Darling, and Cathy Williams to purchase Chaseley House Care Home in Rhos-on-Sea.

The home will form part of their successful domiciliary care agency, Tender Loving Care Ltd in Llandudno Junction, which employs 85 staff.

Following in the footsteps of their mum Margaret, all three have decades of experience in the sector and even worked alongside her in their first jobs at a residential care home.

“TLC Ltd has provided care in the community for almost 15 years and did so throughout the pandemic, which was one of the toughest times the industry has faced,” said Olwen.

“It showed how important care workers are and made us reflect on our next steps as an organisation.

“From there the natural progression for us was to buy a care home where we can do what we do best.

“Our mum was in care, we are, and our daughters Andrea and Sarah have management roles with TLC, so this truly is a family business, and we are excited to see how things develop.”

After identifying Chaseley House as a location, FFP Solutions was tasked with brokering the deal.

Cathy said: “We needed financial support as our business bank would not consider the significant investment needed to move forward, which is why we contacted FFP.

“They came to our office to discuss options, loved our enthusiasm and the business and the rest is history, as they say.”

But it wasn’t all plain sailing, according to Helen: “The day we took over there were confirmed cases of Covid-19 with staff and residents, so we reintroduced PPE and other measures while having a very tough first few weeks with staffing issues.

“It meant we all had to roll up our sleeves and do what was necessary to provide care and a safe environment for those who avoided the virus, alongside those who tested positive.

“It was a case of sink or swim, and thankfully the three of us are decent swimmers!”

Thanking director Richard Lloyd-Jones and the team at FFP Solutions, Olwen added: “They have been fantastic to deal with, but we must also thank our families and employees for their high standards of service to clients and the community.

“We have big plans – staff are progressing towards being registered with Social Care Wales - and if the pandemic taught us anything it is how precious life is and how important people are.”

Richard congratulated them on their new venture and said: “The care sector has faced many challenges in recent years but TLC Ltd is an example of an organisation which will play a big part in taking it forward post-pandemic.

“We are delighted for Olwen, Helen and Cathy, from the moment I met them their energy and vision were so impressive, we wish them every success and were pleased to be able to help them step up to the next level in business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin James Williams .