National homecare franchisor, Walfinch, has extended Mark Thornton’s role of Community Relations Manager to now include special projects. With Mark bringing over 30 years of commercial experience to Walfinch, including background in market research and analysis, IT consultancy and franchisee directorship, Mark’s role has now evolved to provide consultative support on special projects across the Walfinch network.

Mark has completely switched his professional career. He originally worked in IT consultancy and project management, however having to personally care for a loved-one saw Mark realise how rewarding a career in care can be, which led him down a new career path.

Explains Mark: “I got involved in social care when I paused my IT career to provide help for my mother. What began as short-term, light social support evolved into dementia care. It gave me a passion for supporting people to carry on living successfully in their own homes, whether they are our elderly community or other adults. I know what an incredibly rewarding role this is.

“I began as a franchisee with my own local care company, which I built and grew for six years, then sold– but after a brief absence from the sector I found I was unable to leave it behind! I joined Walfinch, bringing my experience as a family carer and franchise director with my project management skills, to a unique role that sees me supporting individual franchisees on special projects.  

“With decades of business management experience, I am excited to be working with Walfinch’s CEO, Amrit Dhaliwal, on dedicated projects. We are aligned on what good care looks like and also on how to support franchisees to be successful and deliver a service that really matters.  I am greatly enjoying working with our branches on all of their journeys. I’ve already supported with an interim managing director project for one branch, and I’m now working with the Oxfordshire business to further immerse it into the local community and form strong local relationships with the people, healthcare organisations, charities and other groups of that community.”

Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Walfinch, adds: “Our central franchisor team continues to expand so it can nurture and support our franchisees, and Mark’s empathy and experience has made a big impact. With background as a care franchisee, combined with his pragmatic project management background, he has a great perspective on what is required as a homecare director and how he can help our franchisee achieve their goals. He really cares about making a difference, and as such, has become a valuable member of our team.”