When Ken Nolan founded Springhill Care Home in 1983 in Accrington, his intention was for the home to offer the highest level of personalised care and service, founded on core principles of putting people first and treating each person with kindness, respect, dignity and compassion. Those values have not changed.

The fulfilment of Ken’s dream was celebrated by friends, colleagues and special guests who had gathered for a surprise event to mark the 30^th anniversary of the home’s founding.

The Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Judith Addison, was among the guests at the event, which included a Scottish piper and presentations by staff illustrating Ken’s – and Springhill’s – journey since 1983 to the award-winning organisation it has become.

Ken, of Whalley in the Ribble Valley, founded the business three decades ago when he left a nursing role with the NHS.

At 23 years old he acquired Springhill House, a restaurant, and adapted it to become a care home with just 23 residents. Soon after a further 16 beds were added followed by a further 40 bedroom extension in 1993.

Following a major redevelopment over the last four years, the home has now been transformed with 110 beds in total, and is part of an award winning care group which includes facilities in Skelmersdale and Bristol as well as Affinity Supporting People, a supported living service.

The Springhill Care Group employs more than 370 staff caring for more than 260 people, and recently was named the Service Business of the Year at the prestigious BIBA awards, testimony of the dedication of Ken and his team.

It is estimated that in its 30 year history, Springhill Care Home has cared for more than 2,000 residents.

Ken, who has also represented the care industry in a number of roles including as a founder and chair of the Lancashire Care Association, said the success of the last 30 years has been down to hard work by everyone involved.

He said: “It has been a long journey since we acquired Springhill House in 1983 and set about refurbishing and converting it. But Springhill Care Group’s mission is simple – to provide the best possible care and support for each person who chooses our service, ensuring we remain true to our core values and that people are always at the heart of everything we do.

“These celebrations mark an important milestone for me and for everyone who has played a role in Springhill Care Home. We are looking back over 30 years’ of caring for people, but also looking forwards.

“There is no greater calling than to be in a position to help those who are in need at that important stage in their life, with kindness, patience, dignity and compassion. We leave no stone unturned in doing that.

“We recognise that the key to providing quality care is quality staff, which is why we invest heavily in our staff as our most valuable asset. I consider myself privileged and blessed to work with such committed and dedicated people who share our core values and commitment to top quality person-centred care and support.

“Everyone who has played a part in this success should be very proud of the work they have done for this community, and I would like to say a huge thank you for everything we have achieved together so far and I look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.”

To view our 30th anniversary photo album on our Facebook page, click HERE

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North West based Springhill Care Group has been recognised as the Service Business of the Year at one of the region’s top award ceremonies.

The group, which operates three care homes in Lancashire and Bristol, along with a supported living service for young adults, triumphed despite stiff competition at the prestigious Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs).

Hailed as Lancashire’s leading business awards, the BIBAs are intended to find the county’s most successful and innovative companies through a rigorous judging process.

The awards, run by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, attracted more than 900 people to the ceremony, held in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Ken Nolan, chairman of Springhill Care Group, based in Accrington, said: “To win this award is such a fantastic tribute to the hard work of everyone in the group. Our focus has always been on providing the highest quality care, and we’ve never lost sight of that. This award really was earned by every member of staff, and I’d like to thank them for their contribution.”

Springhill was among eight finalists; Mayes Accountants, Assured Cleaning Services Ltd, Warrantywise, QED Ltd, ICG, Central Power Services Ltd and Preston Bus Ltd.

BIBA judge Tony Raynor, managing director of category sponsors Abbey Telecom, praised Springhill Group’s entry. He said: “The BIBAs recognise excellence and it was clear to the judging panel that all eight contenders for the award are putting service at the heart of their businesses.

“Springhill Care Group’s focus on delivering high quality care and putting people first shone through and really impressed the judges. Our overwhelming impression was that this is a business that doesn’t just say they do something, they really do it.”

The BIBA result tops off a successful period for Springhill Care Group, which this year marks its 30^th anniversary, after Ken Nolan was recently named Care Employer of the Year at the Great British Care Awards.

To view our BIBAs photo album on our facebook page click HERE 

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The chairman of a leading care group based in Accrington helped to take the challenges facing small business in Lancashire to Brussels.

Ken Nolan, chairman of the Springhill Care Group, was able to discuss some of the issues for the business community in the region when he and a small group of other business leaders met with Sajjad Karim, Conservative MEP for North West England.

The group - led by Tony Raynor of Abbey Telecom, Blackburn in collaboration with the North West Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses - were able to discuss the amount of red tape which they say often hinders the ability of small business particularly in times of recession.

Ken said: “Karim was very supportive and is spending a great deal of time in this area trying to reduce the amount of bureaucracy facing small business. At this time of difficulty, it is especially time-consuming for smaller businesses to ensure they meet the requirements of all of the legislation coming out of Brussels affecting health and safety, employment or operational issues.

“We were also able to understand more about the European Parliament process, its working practices and the work by our MEPs. I would like to thank Sajjad as well as other members of our group for a constructive visit.”

Sajjad Karim continues to spend a considerable amount of his time working towards a reduction in EU regulations and red tape on businesses, particularly SMEs.

In October 2011, he was appointed as the European Parliament lead on a new report that will look at improving the law-making process across the EU and reduce the legislative burden.

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