Care home group expands with acquisition

A YORKSHIRE care home group has purchased a third residential business, following £1m of funding.

Trading as Benjamin Lodge, the East Yorkshire firm is acquiring Holyrood House in Hedon to complement existing properties in Cottingham (Benjamin Lodge) and Hull (Ash Lodge).

Led by director Tony Proudfoot, the business currently specialises in caring for individuals with mental health issues. The acquisition and development of Holyrood House in Hedon will see the business expand the range of specialist facilities offered into elderly and dementia care.

Benjamin Lodge has received nearly £1m in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial to support the acquisition.

Benjamin Lodge was opened in August 2011 and is registered to provide care for 17 individuals aged 18 to 65 with mental health issues. Ash Lodge has been owned since 1990 and is currently registered to provide care for 22 individuals aged 18 to 65. Holyrood House is a more traditional elderly care facility with a dementia focus. The home is registered for 29 individuals and is being sold by a local operator which is moving more to a care village/supported living business model.

Proudfoot said: “We have an excellent track record in supplying first-rate care to the local community, and this latest purchase offers growth in the business and the range of care options we are able to provide.”

Maxine Gay, relationship director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, added: “Tony and the management team have strong experience in this market and we are delighted to be able to help them expand and grow the business. They provide an important and increasingly in-demand service for the East Yorkshire region.”