Cumbrian care provider becomes employee owned

HomeTrust Care, which operates three care homes in Carlisle, Keswick, and Kendal, has been turned into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), handing control of the business to staff.

Founded in 2003 by Alyson Joyce, HomeTrust Care includes The Carlisle Dementia Centre, Nether Place Care Centre in Keswick, and Silver Howe Care Centre in Kendal, employing 100 staff across the three locations.

Joyce said: "When planning for the future of HomeTrust Care, my priority was always to protect our staff, our residents, and the ethos we’ve worked so hard to build.

“Moving to employee ownership felt like a natural extension of everything we stand for, care, commitment, and community.

“It’s the people inside our homes who make us who we are, and I’m proud to be handing over the business to such a dedicated team.”

The care homes deliver dementia support and specialist nursing, respite, and complex care services.

“The transition to employee ownership reflects a deep commitment to protecting the values that have shaped the business for over two decades, and to ensuring a sustainable, people-first future,” said a spokesman.

“This transition not only safeguards long-term job security for staff and continuity of care for residents, but also gives employees a meaningful stake in the company’s future success.”

Graham Cunning, corporate finance partner at Azets Corporate Finance helped with the transition. He said: “This move safeguards the legacy of the founders while empowering the team that has made the company such a success.

“It’s a model that rewards commitment and secures the business for the long term.”

HomeTrust Care remains the registered provider of services with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The deal was supported by Weightmans and MCM.