Ken Nolan, chairman of the North West based Springhill Care Group, has been named as the top care boss in Britain after winning the title National Care Employer of the Year.

Judges for The Great British Care Awards, which took place on Saturday at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, praised Springhill for its ‘passion for personalised service.’

The awards are designed to pay tribute to ‘the individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.’ They are supported by organisations from across the sector, including the Department of Health.

Springhill Care Group was founded in Accrington, Lancashire, in 1983, and has now grown to include 300 staff at three homes: Springhill in Accrington, Birch Green in Skelmersdale and Riversway in Bristol. The group also, through its company Affinity, provides specialist supported living services to young adults with disabilities living in the community.

Ken became a finalist in the national awards when he won a regional heat last year. The latest win was in the 250 employees and above category – Springhill employs 300 staff, meaning the Lancashire-based group was competing against much larger organisations.

Ken was nominated by staff for the award. The judges said: “We felt that Springhill Care demonstrated a passion for a personalised service and a relentless drive in getting the details right because it’s the small things that add up to big changes.”

Ken said: “We were delighted to win this award which shows that there is a lot of fantastic work being done in the care sector.

“It’s great to see that a relatively small care group with 300 staff can compete nationally with the larger organisations and that Springhill’s systems and procedures are worthy of being highlighted.

“We have an incredible team here at Springhill who have made it possible to take home this award. Everyone gives 100 per cent effort every day and it would not have been possible without them.”