Visiting Angels Franchise Partners Win Prestigious GBFA Award
Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Helen Lofts, franchise partners of Visiting Angels Burton & Derby, have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality home care services, earning them a coveted 2025 Great British Franchisee Award (GBFA). This prestigious award acknowledges their dedication to raising standards in the care industry, prioritizing the well-being of clients, carers, and the broader community.
Awards and Recognition
Since launching their franchise in 2020, Andrew and Helen have worked tirelessly to build a care service that puts people at its core. Their approach has yielded impressive growth, with a focus on creating a supportive environment where carers feel valued and empowered to provide exceptional care. This philosophy has earned them a Top 20 Home Care Provider award for Burton and Derby, demonstrating their positive impact on the community.
Andrew Lofts emphasized, “Our goal was to establish a care service that families could rely on, with carers who take pride in their work. This award is a significant honor, validating the values we’ve built our business on and demonstrating that our approach truly makes a difference.” The GBFA award recognizes the Lofts’ “exceptional franchise leadership,” highlighting their profitable growth, strong employee engagement, and impressive staff retention in a sector often challenged by high staff turnover.
Investing in Carers and the Community
A key factor in their success is Visiting Angels’ carer-centric ethos. Andrew and Helen have invested heavily in training, wellbeing, and professional development initiatives, such as creating specialist ‘champion’ roles and partnering with Staffordshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit on cyber-security training. These efforts have strengthened staff confidence, ensured client safety, and fostered a motivated, loyal workforce.
Helen Lofts explained, “Caring is a demanding role, and we believe that investing in our carers is essential to delivering exceptional care. By supporting them with training, wellbeing, and a positive work environment, we enable them to provide the best possible care for our clients.” The Lofts’ commitment to their carers and the community extends beyond their franchise, with active support for local initiatives like the CarersPlus Café and participation in awareness campaigns, including Dementia Action Week.
Dan Archer, UK CEO of Visiting Angels, praised the Lofts, saying, “What I admire most about Andrew and Helen is the heart they’ve put into building their service. They’ve created a place where carers feel respected and clients feel genuinely cared for, which is why their franchise has flourished.” The GBFA award is a testament to the Lofts’ dedication to delivering high-quality care and their positive impact on the community.
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