Sarah Wickham, franchisee and managing director, Walfinch Suffolk Coastal home care has been named as a Great British Franchisee Award winner.  Sarah who originally began her career as a carer, has now built her franchised business to support people in their own homes, offering companionship visits to intensive live-in care.  Sarah now runs three franchised territories covering Suffolk Coastal, Norfolk and West Suffolk, employing 115 carers.

Deemed as one of the highest honours in the industry, the Great British Franchisee awards  GREAT BRITISH FRANCHISEE AWARDS 2023 (whichfranchise.c om)  recognise outstanding franchisees’ ability to perform exceptionally well in all areas of their business.   Entries were judged on: stability and business experience, growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, inspired leadership and how the franchisee was involved in the franchise network.

Sarah Wickham was Walfinch’s very first franchisee, having established the Walfinch Suffolk Coastal business in December 2019 and reaching profitability in just three months.  Sarah started her business during the COVID pandemic and has worked hard to attract a loyal client base and grow the business.  

Sarah Wickham says: “Even after more than 20 years in the care sector I love the variety that each day brings, and I am still passionate about delivering care with empathy and compassion to the local community.  I love working with my team of dedicated carers to make a positive difference in people’s lives for both themselves and their families.  I am incredibly proud now to accept this award on behalf of my whole team who work exceptionally hard every day to provide the best possible care and support our clients whatever their individual needs.”

The current care services Sarah’s team offers include companion care, elder care, dementia care and respite care, plus care to people living with disabilities, stroke rehabilitation, injury and convalescent care and end of life care. 

The Great British Franchisee Award Judges said: “Sarah shows a franchisee who is passionate about her business that has grown to three territories.  She has demonstrated good community involvement and staff development. As the first Walfinch franchisee, she naturally is well thought of and works well with the franchisor.”
 
"Sarah and her team have made a difference to the lives of so many people.” said Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Walfinch. “To see and be able to support Sarah's continued success and growth as a Walfinch franchisee and now be recognised with this prestigious award is wonderful and represents an incredible achievement. Her experience in providing the highest quality of care and support to her clients, as well as her commitment to building a strong team of carers, makes her an outstanding member of the Walfinch community as well as a leader in the care and franchise industries."
 
Last year, Sarah was also confirmed as a finalist in The Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards; a national awards programme designed to celebrate female contribution to the social care industry.