Social enterprise shines at Startups Awards

Community businesses were given a shining endorsement at yesterday’s Startups Awards as Home Instead Senior Care went home with the top gong.

For the second year in a row, a social enterprise walked away with the overall award, proving that in times of economic difficulty, businesses built on social principles can thrive.

The winning company provides a range of care services for older people, allowing them to remain in their own homes as long as possible.

The company already has 25 franchised offices across the UK, providing more than 1,000 hours of care every single day of the year.

Founder Trevor Brocklebank cut his holiday short to attend the ceremony, which was sponsored by Barclays, and picked up a £5,000 cheque for the business.

Speaking at the awards, he said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of what we have achieved so far.

“The business came about as a result of my grandfather’s illness as we felt there was a lack of quality care available for him. What we want to do is change the face of ageing in the UK.”

Other winners at the ceremony included another social enterprise, Cool2Care, which provides care-workers for families with disabled children, Concert Live, which produces live recordings of gigs straight after the show, ChemistDirect the online pharmacy which is already on course for first year revenues of £5m, and online tailors A Suit That Fits.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008