Case Study - Tony and Sharon Ryan
A Teignbridge couple who set up a thriving Bluebird Care business in the midst of recession celebrate their first birthday later this month – with high hopes for the future.
Tony and Sharon Ryan – who run a Bluebird Care office at Newton Road Kingsteignton – are reporting a successful year. Highlights including creating 18 jobs and securing two stars from the health and social care services independent regulator, the Care Quality Commission. The couple were also commended at Bluebird Care's recent gala awards evening, taking runners-up spot in the "best newcomers" category.
Sharon said, "We are building our success on the excellent reputation that we've established with our customers, care workers and other care sector professionals.
"Looking ahead, we plan to develop our services for adults with physical difficulties and are also keen to offer enhanced care for adults with specific learning needs."
To mark their first birthday, Sharon and Tony are holding a drop-in-day on Friday, November 27, when people are invited to pop in for tea and birthday cake, and a chance to learn more about the services on offer.
The Ryans – whose previous businesses including a building firm and running holiday cottages with fishing lakes – were drawn to Bluebird Care after seeing the company's managing director, Paul Tarsey, interviewed on national television.
Sharon said, "We looked for a business that I could run on my own, as I wanted Tony to slow down. It had to be something that I could be passionate about and we saw Bluebird Care featured on the BBC TV programme, Working Lunch, and Paul's passion for the business came across, and we booked an appointment to see him. Since then we haven't looked back."
Sharon, who is part of the Bluebird Care network of 63 offices across Britain and Ireland – responding to the public's growing requirement for quality care at home. She plans to develop the Torbay side of her business in the New Year.
