A leading UK domicilliary care provider has agreed a preferential arrangement with a leading UK high street bank in a move that unlocks the ability for potential franchisees to start their business with a smaller upfront outlay.
The arrangement secured by Bridgewater Home Care now offers potential franchisees the opportunity to finance the launch of their franchise business at a 70-30 loan-to-value ratio, meaning they have to raise significantly less capital to drive their business ambitions.
Franchisees also have the opportunity to benefit from a six to nine-month capital repayment holiday, protecting their early-stage cash flow and allowing them to prioritise revenue growth and operational stability before full capital repayments begin.
The majority of Bridgewater’s current franchisee portfolio achieves an operational break even within 12–14 months of opening, making the repayment holiday a significant support service to ensure long-term success.
Phil Eckersley, Managing Director for Bridgewater Home Care, said: “The new deal is a huge marker of confidence from a leading UK high street bank in the strength and sustainability of the Bridgewater model.
“With such a powerful new arrangement behind us, we’re anticipating a meaningful uplift in both the volume and quality of enquiries, with the new funding structure making the opportunity more accessible to high-calibre candidates who may previously have been constrained by initial upfront cash commitments.”
The new deal adds to Bridgewater’s expansive list of support services it offers to franchisees, including access to comprehensive operational systems, specialist personnel, and structured business support. In addition, Bridgewater’s proprietary suite of workflow automations and advanced AI-driven tools, are all included within the standard franchisee service fee.
“One of the biggest benefits of the new deal is that it positions Bridgewater Home Care right alongside the largest national care franchise brands,” said Phil. “We can provide the same level of capital flexibility while providing our industry-leading tech and AI offering, making us one of the most competitive propositions in the sector.
“This is just a part of our major plans for 2026 and beyond. We’re focused on sustainable, long-term growth, protecting the standard of care and the calibre of franchisees we bring into the network. The new loan-to-value arrangement makes the Bridgewater Home Care opportunity more accessible to franchisee candidates, and enables measured acceleration without compromising standards.”
In recent years, lending within the home care sector has been approached with greater caution by some financial institutions, partly due to wider economic uncertainty. Access to finance has been a major barrier, as the capital required to launch a regulated care business has been seen as significant, with the business itself requiring a substantial number of regulatory approvals before being cleared to run.
Phil continued: “Domiciliary care is an industry that is underpinned by strong long-term demographic demand. It’s no surprise that it’s becoming increasingly interesting for financiers and suppliers to engage with, and we’re even seeing a swing in applicant profiles for franchisees, with a major increase in those from senior corporate and medical backgrounds.
“The care sector as a whole is being seen more positively as a growth market, and one that can offer a range of opportunities for all types of people. It’s a huge marker of confidence in the industry, and with our new arrangement, we’re excited to welcome plenty of new and exciting entrants into our fantastic care sector.”
Phil Eckersley, Managing Director for Bridgewater Home Care