The Regard Group, the UK’s third largest private care provider in its sector, has strengthened its presence in the South West with the acquisition of the Cornwall-based Solar Care Homes Ltd.
This latest acquisition has increased Regard’s portfolio to 167 services, offering 16 new beds in Redruth to adults with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities.
CEO Carole Edmond said: “One of Solar Care’s services is rated Outstanding by the CQC, and we were attracted to them because their vision matches our own – to provide excellent care and support, to continuously improve the quality of our service and to make people’s lives better every day.
“We are confident that Solar Care’s staff and the people they support will feel very much at home as part of Regard. Our Regional Director for the South and South West, Kerry Libby, is leading the team which is helping to ensure a smooth transition for the staff as well as continuity of care for the people they support.
“Regard is pursuing a strong growth strategy, both organically and through acquisition of like-minded quality-focussed companies, and more such deals are planned.”
The deal is evidence of Regard’s continuing good health following a change of ownership at the end of 2017 when their investment backing was taken over by AMP Capital – a move designed to enable Regard to continue providing the high standard of care and support that people expect.
Regard was formed in 1994 and now has a staff of over 2,600, supporting more than 1,300 people across England and Wales.
Over the past year the group has opened 12 new services – all of which filled very quickly – with a further 12 new openings planned for the year ahead.
Staff in the services previously run by Solar Care will benefit from the deal by having access to Regard’s learning and leadership training, an experienced quality and best practice team and specialist in-house services such as a dedicated benefits team.
