Unity Trust Bank funds second care home and creates new jobs
The owner of one of Bristol’s top rated care homes has added a second business to his portfolio following a seven-figure funding package from Unity Trust Bank.
Ryan Somauroo took over Bernash Care Home in Wells Road in 2016, and as well as receiving customer reviews of 9.9/10 on carehome.co.uk, it has featured in the Top 20 Care Homes in the South West for five years running.
He has now purchased Little Croft Care Home in Barry Road, Oldford and the 41-bed property is undergoing a refurbishment which includes a new reception area and hairdressing salon.
Mr Somauroo, founder and director of Young at Heart Care Homes Ltd, said: “I worked in care homes in my previous career as a mental health nurse and my family own care homes, so I know the ins and outs of what makes a successful one.
“The number one priority is having good staff. If the staff are happy, the residents are happy and if the residents are happy, the families are happy.
“When I took over Little Croft I felt it was understaffed so two new jobs have been created and shift patterns have changed to give staff a better work-life balance. I also increased everyone’s wages to pay more than the national living wage dictates.
“If you look after your staff then they will stay with you and that continuity is really important for our residents.”
Having secured two ‘Good’ CQC inspections since taking over Bernash, Ryan felt the time was right to purchase a second home and described Little Croft, which already has a ‘Good’ CQC rating, as a perfect fit.
He said: “My previous bank decided to move away from funding smaller care homes so I looked for a new bank that supported the social care sector and Unity Trust Bank was recommended to me.
“It’s a brilliant bank and their ethos resonated with me. My relationship manager Paul Nugent is great as he understands what we are trying to achieve and is always there if I need him.”
Little Croft offers residential, respite and mild dementia care, while 23-bed Bernash caters for people with dementia.
Paul Nugent, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “With an ageing population, demand for good quality care homes is growing.
“Unity is proud to support experienced operators like Ryan, who is providing the highest standards of care for elderly residents and is committed to creating meaningful employment in the local area.”