Care home operator trebles in size

A North East care provider has trebled in size within the last 12 months, thanks to support from Mincoffs Solicitors and accountants and business advisory group, Azets, and funding from Allica Bank.

Hark Group Holdings, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Hardip Kang and Rupinder Kang, expanded in the last year following a number of acquisitions across Tyne and Wear.

This includes the business and assets of Cedar House Care Home, Sunderland and the entire issue share capital of Thorncliffe Care Limited – which operates Thorncliffe House, Sunderland – with a view to further acquisitions in the near future.

The teams at Mincoffs Solicitors and Azets worked closely together with Hark Group

Holding’s senior management team to successfully structure, fund and transact the deals.

Hardip Kang, Director and owner of Hark Group, said, ‘Our expansion and growth this past year was greatly assisted with the knowledge, experience and eye for detail from Chris Hughes and all the team at Mincoffs.

‘It’s the kind of reassurance a growing business needs when trying to achieve their growth targets. Lee Humble and the team at Azets provided me with the financial advice and assistance to accelerate the momentum needed to get the deal over the line.’

Lee Humble, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets, said, ‘I am excited to see what the future holds for the group, and we are delighted to be part of their journey.’

Anchor receives gold status for inclusivity

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, has been awarded ‘Gold Status’ in the 2023 Inclusive Employers Standard, becoming the first housing and care provider to do so.

The accolade follows the Bronze award status Anchor achieved in 2020 and the Silver Award status achieved 18 months ago, in 2021.

Anchor is a member of Inclusive Employers, which provides expert advice and support to workplaces who are committed to inclusion and accredits those meeting the Inclusive Employers Standard.

The housing and care provider is only the third organisation that Inclusive Employers works with to achieve Gold status.

Sarah Jones, Chief Executive at Anchor, said, ‘While we know there’s always more we can do, we’re absolutely