Case Study - Ian Barnes
A Bayston Hill businessman who set up a thriving Bluebird Care office just two years after a successful kidney transplant was voted best newcomer at a national awards ceremony.
Ian Barnes was presented with the award at Bluebird Care's annual conference at the prestigious Marriott Hotel and Country Club in the Forest of Arden earlier this month, as the country's fastest growing care at home provider paid tribute to his business achievements in challenging economic times.
Ian said: "We were delighted to win the award as we are still less than six months old. It is a great boost as we work hard to meet the needs of our customers and adapt to fit in with them.
"We deliver all our promises and aim to offer good old fashioned service to our customers, which is second to none. Staff are employed for their personality and how they will interact with customers, resulting in a top-class service. We also link up with Boots the Chemists, ensuring staff are trained to administer medication, a service which most agencies can't provide."
The care at home provider has already created 17 jobs since opening its doors in Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill, south of Shrewsbury, in June. It provides health care for people in their own homes, including help with medication, washing, dressing and other daily tasks in addition to live-in support when needed.
Ian decided to open the office, part of the Bluebird Care group, after the garden centre business he ran was sold. As well as being a sound business proposition he could also relate to meeting people's health care needs as he underwent a successful kidney transplant in June 2007 after having dialysis for six months.
Ian said: "After the business was sold I was looking for an opportunity and Bluebird Care was a strong proposition that would utilise my core skills of managing people and running a business. Due to my own recent health issues, I can also relate with the people we look after as I know how important good care is."
Ian's first employee was his care manager Jayne Dippie, who has considerable experience within the care sector. Together they form an effective team, passionate about delivering excellent care.
