
The Everycare (Central Hants) team, from left - Rachel Warland, Suzanne Picton, Karen Whitmill, Nicole Apicella, Angie Gibson and Mike Frizzell.
Published: November 7, 2024 | Updated: 7th November 2024
The Winchester franchise of home care and nursing provider Everycare has transitioned to an employee-owned trust as founder Mike Frizzell plans his exit from the business.
Mike set up Everycare (Central Hants) back in 2010 after being made redundant from his role as a finance director.
“For me, running a franchise under the umbrella of Everycare UK was a common-sense option as I didn’t have a ‘big business idea’ of my own,” he said.
“Initially, a friend joined me in the business, and we employed a care manager to bring in that important sector knowledge.”
Once the franchise was registered with the Care Quality Commission, the small team began to offer live-in and domiciliary care in the Winchester area.
The business has since grown to a team of six office staff and 50 local carers.
But with Mike now in his mid-60s, he began looking into options for his eventual departure.
“I wanted to start to move away and spend time doing other things that I enjoy.
“I’m a very practical and active person. I already take part in orienteering on a weekly basis and would like to do more of it.
“I enjoy gardening and have designed and landscaped my own garden, but I need to catch up on those important tasks in the garden.
“Also, next year, I want to free up time to support my daughter as she builds her own business as a qualified nutritional therapist – and she will be supporting many of her clients online.
“I plan to learn about digital marketing as well as keeping a handle on the finances when she launches her consultancy in 2025.”
Mike opted for an employee-owned trust, which would allow the team to take over the franchise while he received a financial settlement for his years building the business.
“It was a solution which also supported our clients, who wouldn’t be aware of any changes in the everyday operation of the business, and therefore there’d be no anxiety or worry for them.
“It also supported the team and gave them confidence to know that their future is in their hands.”
Karen Whitmill, care manager, added: “I see the employee-owned trust as a great opportunity, and we’re all looking forward to making the business grow through employee cooperation.”
Today, Everycare (Central Hants) is run by a board of trustees thanks to the help of employee-owned trust expert Chris Maslin of Go EO.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the team to help them transition to a new and bright future for this caring business which supports many vulnerable people in the community,” said Chris.
“It worked very well for this type of franchise business model by creating a smooth transition to a new group of owners who already know the business inside and out.”