More than 300 franchise partners and team members gathered at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth on 21 November for the 2025 Visiting Angels Conference. Under the theme Be the Light. Lead the Way., the event highlighted a year of significant progress while celebrating those shaping 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 Being the light means guiding the industry, challenging outdated norms and showing what’s possible when carers are truly at the heart of a business.”
Across the day, attendees took part in workshops exploring sustainable growth, raising care quality, strengthening communication and sales capability, and driving innovation. The sessions encouraged collaboration, the sharing of best practice and strategic thinking – principles that reinforce Visiting Angels’ reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking care franchises.
The conference programme featured an engaging line-up of speakers. Jimmy McLoughlin OBE, host of Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future and former Special Adviser to the prime minister on business, technology and entrepreneurship, delivered the keynote address. Later, TV and radio presenter Kate Garraway MBE joined Married at First Sight star and Homecare’s Got Talent judge Matt Jameson for a fireside conversation, sharing personal reflections on caregiving, resilience and purpose.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising standout members of the Visiting Angels network who exemplify the organisation’s carer-centred ethos and commitment to excellence.
Award winners
- 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 also received Choir of Angels awards for exceptional contribution.
Reflecting on his Franchisee of the Year win, Max — who launched his franchise in October 2024 — said: “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.”
Dan added: “This year has shown that our model works – commercially and culturally. 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.”
