Family-run care provider acquires seventh residential home in Sunderland thanks to £720,000 loan

Ascot Care Group bought and renovated Princess House residential care home in Seaburn and added two new bedrooms thanks to a six-figure loan from Unity Trust Bank.

Brothers Gareth and Gavin Nesbit, Directors of Ascot Care Group, have also upgraded fixtures and fittings, developed the garden and replaced a wooden fence at the front of the property with glass panelling so that residents can enjoy panoramic views of the seafront.

Three new jobs have been created in the process.

Gareth said: “This is where our families live and we always wanted to buy a care home here to give something back to the local community. There is a shortage of beds in Sunderland and we wanted to find the right home where we could make a difference.

“Unity was recommended to us. Our relationship manager Michael Wicks was really pro-active and supportive. I can phone Michael direct and talk to him. That kind of personal service is integral in this day and age.”

Impact

Ascot Care Group was established by the brothers’ parents in 1984. It has six other residential homes, a nursing agency and a specialist mental health unit.

Employing over 300 staff, it provides care for around 350 people.

Gareth said: “We offer care provision from Northumberland to York; from residential care to home care clients who live at home but need support. We also help hospitals and care homes recruit staff.

“We have a lot of long-standing, loyal staff at our homes and value them hugely. Our agency staff provision is also essential. There is a shortage of care workers generally and we don’t want any staff to suffer burn-out.

“One of our sector’s biggest challenges is attracting young people who want to make this their profession. We do everything we can to support them. We’re proud that one of the youngest CQC-endorsed managers in the country is in charge of one of our services.”