Before launching his Caremark franchise in Kent, Martin worked in finance in London, making the long commute every day by train. He first considered investing in a business in the care industry after researching care packages for his own grandmother.
“I’d spent practically all of my career working in the City but I’d grown increasingly tired of living the same day, every day. I decided to leave my job and found myself looking for something to do. I wanted to start a business, but I was hesitant about some of the risks that were involved when going at it alone, so franchising seemed like a very good option. It was through personal experience that my mind was focused on the care sector – my grandmother needed care and I was tasked with finding a solution for her. It made me think more about the sector, the problems the sector was facing, and whether I could do a better job.”
After researching franchising opportunities in the care sector, Martin considered various providers. He was intrigued by the level of expertise in the Caremark network and their compassionate approach to care.
“I met with the Caremark team in Worthing and was very impressed by the owner, Kevin Lewis, his ethos and his beliefs. I also met with one or two of the other head office staff and that really reinforced my belief that Caremark was a brand that I wanted to be associated with.
I launched Caremark (Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling) in May 2016 and my experience, so far, has been extremely positive. Buying a franchise has enabled me to achieve a better quality of life – I now spend a lot less time on trains! I’ve really enjoyed employing people from my local community and being my own man.”
In three short years, Martin has established himself as one of the most well-respected and compliant care providers in the South East. His Registered Care Manager, Simon Rowland, who joined the Caremark team during the office’s initial registration by the Care Quality Commission, has been named ‘Home Care Registered Manager’ at the Great British Care Awards. Martin is proud to have already built a team of dedicated individuals to support in the operations of his business.
“It’s a real honour to work with people, like Simon, who have a passion for the care industry. After the experience of caring for my own grandmother, it was of such importance to me that my business makes a positive impact on the community and I can hand on heart say that it is doing just that.”
Raspinder launched his Caremark franchise in his home-town of Gravesend in February 2018.
Robert Johnston turned his attention and talents to an industry which would satisfy his personal and financial rewards.
Sharan Dhaliwal launched her Caremark franchise after a career in the NHS, spanning 25 years.
Before buying his Caremark franchise, Colin Evans had a long and successful career in sales and sales management.
A day in the life of Martin Steyn from Caremark in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling.
Sharan Dhaliwal spent 25 years working for the NHS before becoming a franchisee for Caremark.
Duncan Smith was new to the social care sector when he started his Caremark franchise in Kirklees.
Friends and former colleagues Andrew Peace and Mark McKenning launched their first Caremark franchise in Barnsley in 2011.
Introducing Sue Hills from Caremark Mid-Sussex which she has been running since 2009.
Abhay Shah hadn't always planned to have a career in care but he looked into the prospect of starting his own business when daily number crunching became monotonous.
Husband and wife team Richard and Emily Magrath are the owners of Caremark in North Down, Ards & Belfast.
Caremark's Charles Folkes delivers over 3000 hours of care per week to vulnerable individuals in the Redcar and Cleveland area.
I researched various sectors before reaching the decision that domiciliary care offered the sustainability and a straightforward business model which allowed for positive cashflow and personal reward.– Charles Folkes, Caremark Redcar & Cleveland
Since I joined, Caremark has done everything they promised they would do. The support has always been there and Kevin Lewis has even come out and given me a morale boost when I've needed it.Amarjit Gill, Caremark Redditch & Bromsgrove
After doing some research, there was really no doubt in our minds, that the only choice we would be happy with would be Caremark, given the emphasis on care and not profit.– Richard Magrath, Caremark North Down, Ards & Belfast
CEO and founder of Caremark Kevin Lewis has over 25 years of experience in the UK home care sector
A strong ratio of 15:1 between franchisees and Regional Support Managers