Experienced entrepreneurs choose care as Visiting Angels franchise network grows
Visiting Angels is welcoming a new wave of experienced entrepreneurs to its UK franchise network, as professionals from sectors including retail, hospitality, banking, logistics and the public sector turn to care as their next business venture.
Joining the carer-centric home care franchise in 2026 are Kate Manners in the Black Country, Scott Checkland and Naomi Jones in East Midlands Central & Charnwood, Ash and Reena Singadia in Surrey Hills, and Ian Milne and Sunny Malhan in South Essex. While their backgrounds differ, the latest recruits reflect a growing calibre of franchise partner attracted to an opportunity where commercial ambition goes hand in hand with making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
For Kate, Visiting Angels marks a new chapter after more than 30 years in business. Having spent much of her career running her family’s classic car parts company, she began exploring franchising in search of a fresh challenge where her experience of building teams and putting people first could translate into a sector with real social impact.
“I may not have come from a care background, but I know how to build teams, support people and create a positive culture,” said Kate. “When I realised those skills could be used to improve people’s lives in such a meaningful way, it felt like the right move.”
Scott and Naomi bring a different perspective, combining previous business ownership with first-hand experience of the care environment. The couple have built hospitality businesses together, while Naomi previously managed hospitality, catering and activities across eight care homes. Scott also ran cocktail afternoons, games and entertainment in care settings – an experience that showed him how much companionship and seemingly small moments can matter.
“One of the most rewarding parts was spending time with residents and seeing what those moments of enjoyment meant to them,” said Scott. “It completely changed my perspective. We already knew we wanted to build another business together, and care gave us the opportunity to use that experience to create something with a lasting impact.”
Meanwhile, Ash and Reena are launching in Surrey Hills after Ash sold the fashion retail business he had owned and operated for three decades. Reena brings complementary experience from her career as a civil servant, but it was the couple’s personal experience of arranging care for family members that helped shape the kind of business they wanted to build.
“Good care isn’t simply about someone turning up to complete a task,” said Reena. “Our own experience showed us how much trust, personality and dignity matter. The right relationship between a client and carer can make all the difference, and that personal approach was something we really connected with at Visiting Angels.”
In South Essex, Ian and Sunny are bringing decades of leadership experience from careers spanning retail banking, telecommunications and logistics. Having known each other for around 25 years, the pair have spent much of their careers leading large teams and developing people – experience that has shaped their belief that the people delivering a service need to be properly supported to do their best work.
“Across our careers, we’ve seen how much difference it makes when people feel valued and set up to succeed,” said Sunny. “That’s what stood out to us about Visiting Angels. We want to put carers on the map and build a business where they’re properly valued, supported and rewarded. If you look after your carers, they’ll deliver great care.”
Dan Archer, UK CEO of Visiting Angels, believes the latest additions demonstrate the franchise’s ability to attract experienced people who recognise both the commercial potential and human impact of the care sector.
“What excites me about this group is what each of them brings to the network,” said Dan. “We have experienced business owners, people who understand the care environment and people whose personal experiences have given them a very clear idea of what great care should look like.
“For us, successful franchising isn’t about growing at any cost. It’s about finding capable, ambitious people who can take our model and build strong local businesses while protecting the values that make Visiting Angels different. The quality of the partners joining us this year gives me huge confidence in the next stage of our growth.”