Further expansion has been announced by the Regard Group, the UK’s fourth largest private provider of residential and supported living care for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, with the acquisition of eight additional services previously run by New Partnerships.
Twelve new services were opened by Regard as part of its organic growth in the year to July 2017, when it also expanded its portfolio with the takeover of Shropshire-based Adelphi Care Services, bringing to 159 the total number of specialist residential and supported living services run by Regard nationwide.
The most recent acquisition is of an organisation whose culture and care values closely mirror Regard’s own and will strengthen the organisation’s presence in Essex with eight extra services – six for supported living.
Regard’s CEO, Sandie Foxall-Smith, said: “We are delighted to welcome the people who live and work at the New Partnership services into the Regard Group.
“Our guiding principle is that everything we do should come together to ensure we are continuously enabling those we support and care for to lead more fulfilled lives, providing a rewarding working environment for our employees, and running our business prudently in order to achieve those outcomes.
“The kind of placements available at our new services are exactly what the local authority commissioners are increasingly requesting, so our growing capacity will be catering for identified needs.”
Regard reinforced its position of expertise in the supported living market earlier this year by securing the title of ‘Specialist Care Provider Of The Year 2017’ at the prestigious HealthInvestor Awards.
Judges said they were impressed with the innovation and excellence demonstrated by its investment team, and by the quality of the care the organisation provides to the people it supports – described as ‘the best care for adults with learning or physical disabilities or mental health problems.’
The former New Partnerships services and the people they support will benefit from the merger by gaining access to a wide portfolio of specialist in-house services, such as Regard’s dedicated Benefits Team, all designed to ensure the best possible quality of life.
Founded in 1994, Regard now employs more than 2,600 staff to support over 1,300 people to live their lives to the full and as independently as possible.
Regard’s management is driving its expansion by reinvesting 100% of the organisation’s profits back into the business every year.
Sandie Foxall-Smith said: “We are expanding our portfolio both with organic growth and by acquiring sound people-led companies run by likeminded proprietors.
“New Partnerships has been delivering a great service, which is part of what we’re buying, and we’re really looking forward to working with their brilliant staff team.”
New Partnerships’ previous owner, Neil Davis, said: “It’s really gratifying to see how hard Regard is working to ensure continuity of care for the guys we support and continuity of employment for our staff.”
His business partner, Clair Leonard added: “I have every confidence that the new ownership will deliver exactly the sort of results we would most like for our people, and we’re delighted to be handing over to such a forward-thinking group.”
Regard regional director Sam Collier is leading the team that is helping to ensure a smooth transition for the New Partnerships services as they are incorporated into the Regard Group.
Further information is available at www.Regard.co.uk
L-R Regional director Sam Collier and CEO Sandie Foxall-Smith
