Energy and momentum filled the room as more than 300 franchise partners and team members came together at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth on 21st November for the 2025 Visiting Angels Conference. Under the theme Be the Light. Lead the Way., attendees marked a year of meaningful progress and celebrated those driving the future of in-home care.
“This year’s theme is about stepping fully into our role as market leaders,” said Dan Archer, UK CEO of Visiting Angels. “The sector looks to us for inspiration – not just in how we deliver care, but in how we value and support caregivers. Being the light means guiding the industry, challenging outdated norms and showing what’s possible when carers are truly at the heart of a business.”
Throughout the day, attendees joined practical workshops focused on sustainable growth, improving care quality, strengthening communication and sales skills, and driving innovation. The sessions encouraged collaboration, best-practice sharing and strategic thinking, reinforcing the values that continue to position Visiting Angels as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking care franchises.
The programme featured an engaging line-up of speakers, including Jimmy McLoughlin OBE, host of Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future and former Special Advisor to the British prime minister on business, technology and entrepreneurship, who delivered the keynote address.
Later, TV and radio presenter Kate Garraway MBE, best known for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, joined Married at First Sight star and Homecare’s Got Talent judge Matt Jameson for a fireside conversation, sharing honest and moving reflections on caregiving, resilience and purpose.
The conference concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony recognising excellence across the Visiting Angels network. Winners were honoured for embodying the brand’s carer-centric ethos, delivering outstanding quality and inspiring others through their leadership.
Award winners included:
- Franchisee of the Year – Max Read, North London
- Care Manager of the Year – Donna Rutherford, Fylde Coast
- Caregiver of the Year – Georgia Leybourn, Coventry
More than 20 caregivers were also recognised through the Choir of Angels awards.
Speaking after receiving the Franchisee of the Year award, Max who launched his Visiting Angels franchise in October 2024 reflected on the day: “I really enjoyed the keynote sessions, but honestly the best part is catching up with everyone else in the network. You don’t often get to see colleagues from across the country, so it’s great to hear how their year has gone.
“Beyond that, it’s a lovely opportunity to recognise our own team for all their hard work. It feels fantastic to receive this award so early on, but for me it’s really recognition for our carers. A huge amount of our success comes down to our Registered Manager, Sharlean Campbell. Her person-centred approach lifts the standard for all of us. She brings an ‘Outstanding’ mindset into the office every single day, and that shapes the culture we’re building. She sets the tone – and the whole team follows.”
“This year has shown that our model works – commercially and culturally,” Dan added. “We’ve built strong, resilient businesses by investing in the people who power them. As we look to 2026, we’ll keep applying that strategy to drive growth, innovation and influence across the care sector.”
