Family-run care home operator, Ashley Care Group, has secured a commercial mortgage from Allica Bank to purchase the Church Farm care home in Hemsby to further expand its portfolio across Norfolk.
The new home is the fifth in the Norfolk-based business’ roster of care homes and assisted living centres across the county, which also includes the Old Vicarage in Ludham and Ailwyn Hall in Honingham, and is looking for further expansion opportunities in the local area.
Ashley Care Group specialises in 24 hour, around-the-clock, residential and dementia care, with all its homes set in the Norfolk countryside. The latest acquisition of 37-room Church Farm care home, situated in the seaside village and resort of Hemsby, was made possible with the support of a commercial mortgage from Allica, the challenger bank dedicated to supporting established British businesses.
Owner of Ashley Care Group, Ashley George, who runs the business alongside his wife Ania, said: “It’s fantastic to complete this acquisition and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the local Hemsby community. It’s a beautiful part of Norfolk that I have always enjoyed visiting and I am excited to get to know it even better.
“I am especially grateful to Allica Bank and their relationship manager, Eugene, for making it so easy to get this over the line. The process only took six weeks, which is fantastic compared to my experience with other banks.
“We’ve got plenty of big plans for the future of the business,” Ashley continues. We’re still on the lookout for other care homes where we think we can add value, while we continue to invest in our existing homes to upgrade the rooms, improve the gardens, and add even more facilities.
Eugene Vichare, Ashley Care Group’s relationship manager at Allica Bank, said: “The amount of regulation and intricacies in the care home sector can make these kinds of purchases quite challenging for some banks. However, by working together with Ashley and Ania, we were able to make the process incredibly smooth.
“It’s been brilliant to support Ashley Care Group with this acquisition. Allica Bank have supported them on a number of projects already, and as an established business that’s still keen to grow, we know this one won’t be the last.”