HomeTrust Care, a Cumbrian care provider with over 20 years of history, has transitioned to employee ownership in a move founder Alyson Joyce describes as "a natural extension of everything we stand for." The transition prioritizes protecting staff, residents, and the company's core values of care, commitment, and community.

The shift to employee ownership ensures long-term job security for staff while maintaining continuity of care for residents. Employees now hold a meaningful stake in the company's future, though day-to-day operations will continue under the existing Senior Leadership Team. The transition was facilitated by Azets corporate finance and legal support from Weightmans LLP and MCM.

The Succession Challenge

Research from accountancy and business advisory firm Armstrong Watson highlights succession challenges in Cumbria: 23% of business owners plan to pass the business to their children, yet one in four haven’t discussed succession, a figure above the national average. 15% have no exit plan at all.

This lack of planning is especially problematic in people-powered sectors like care, where continuity and values matter deeply.

Why This Matters for Care Providers

Employee ownership offers a compelling alternative, particularly for people-powered sectors like care. Unlike traditional sales that may disrupt culture and staffing, employee ownership preserves the ethos and relationships that define quality care. It rewards the teams who've built the business's reputation while ensuring residents experience seamless continuity.

For care providers especially, where trust, consistency, and staff expertise are fundamental to service quality, employee ownership aligns succession with the sector's core values, keeping care in the hands of those who deliver it.