B&M Care, a family-run care provider, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a commitment to innovation, specialist dementia support and sustainable growth across its 28 care homes.
Founded in 1975 when Chairman Bill Hughes purchased his first care home in St Albans for just £1 to register, B&M Care has grown from a single home into a regional provider.
To mark its 50th year, B&M Care is shining a spotlight on the principles that have shaped the organisation since day one: compassion, connection and commitment. Today, more than 1,500 staff work across the homes in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire and Greater London.
Key highlights from the 50 years
- The ongoing rollout of innovative dementia-care tools including PainChek™ and Dementia Care Mapping™
- Continued development of the company’s Complex Dementia Hubs, designed to support individuals with higher dementia care needs
- Major investment in environmental sustainability through solar panels, ground-source heating and electric kitchens across homes
- Refurbishment and renovation projects across multiple homes
- Progress on a new 91 bed care home in Milton Keynes, due to open in 2027
B&M Care has been recognised for its specialist approach to dementia, guided by its own evidence-based Rose Model of Dementia Care. This philosophy underpins its Wellbeing by Design framework, ensuring that each home’s physical environment promotes calm, comfort and dignity for residents living with dementia. Caroline Inch, the Director of Dementia Care, at B&M Care says, “every person living with dementia deserves an environment where they feel safe, understood and valued. The Rose Model helps us deliver care that honours every individual’s story, abilities and emotional needs”.
As part of its anniversary year, B&M Care has released an updated brand identity. Its new tagline, “Understanding Lives Here,” reflects the organisation’s focus on educating families, supporting local communities and deepening understanding of dementia through its free events. A son of a resident living in Chesham Bois Manor said, “They consistently put my dad’s needs first, ensuring personalised attention. Their kindness, along with the entire caregiving team’s patience and unwavering commitment, has significantly improved my dad’s quality of life”.
Celebrating the people behind the care
The company’s 50th year has centred heavily on recognising the staff, residents and families who form the heart of B&M Care.
This includes the launch of the 50 Acts of Kindness campaign, beginning with a £50 thank you voucher gifted to every employee. Teams across the organisation pledged to complete 50 acts of kindness, from sponsored walks and volunteering in the local community, to creating gift baskets for local charities.
The celebrations continued with a 50th Anniversary Gala and individual events held across all B&M Care homes, including a street party at Clare Lodge in St Albans, where the company’s story began.
What comes next for B&M Care
With the next generation of the Hughes family now in director roles, B&M Care is planning the next chapter of its development, focused on sustainable expansion, evolving dementia expertise and delivering high-quality care grounded in the values that began in 1975.
Chairman Bill Hughes said, “When I opened our first home almost fifty years ago, my hope was to create a place where people felt truly understood. Seeing that vision carried forward by the next generation is incredibly rewarding. Our future will be shaped by progress but guided by the same values that started it all”.
His daughter, Colleen Wood, Director of Organisational Culture at B&M Care said, “Having grown up around B&M Care, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply our values influence everyday life in our homes. Carrying that legacy forward is both an honour and a responsibility. We are committed to preserving the warmth and integrity my father established while continuing to innovate for the future”.
Image depicts a street party at Clare Lodge in St Albans, where the company’s story began