British care home company collapses into administration as site shuts doors permanently

Care home operator Valuecare Ltd has fallen into administration after more than a decade in business, with one of its nursing homes already closing permanently following mounting financial difficulties.

The company, which was founded in 2011 and operates residential care facilities across the West Midlands and South East of England, appointed joint administrators on May 7.

Lee Van Lockwood and James Miller of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP, based in Leeds, were appointed as joint administrators, according to a notice published in The London Gazette.

Valuecare Ltd was established by founders Jon Allen and Eric Marshall, who launched the business to offer smaller and more personal care settings as an alternative to larger corporate-style homes across the sector.

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The company operated two period properties set within extensive grounds, with both facilities designed to provide residents with what the business described as a homely and familiar environment.

Norton Hall, located in the village of Norton near Worcester, has now permanently closed after the company said financial and operational pressures became unsustainable.

The 31-room nursing home had provided long-term nursing care, residential support, respite care and day services for residents in the local area.

In March, the company confirmed the facility would close after experiencing what it described as growing operational and financial challenges.

Norton Manor Care Ltd, a sister company linked to Valuecare Ltd, ceased operations on April 14 before appointing a voluntary liquidator on May 9, according to Companies House filings.

The Norton Hall property is now listed as permanently closed.

Despite its closure, Norton Hall had previously received a "good" rating from the Care Quality Commission during its most recent inspection in 2018.

Jon Allen, registered nurse and co-founder of the business, expressed his sadness over the closure in a statement shared on the nursing home’s Facebook page.

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Mr Allen said: "After many years of caring for older people in our community, we are very sad to share that Norton Hall Nursing Home will be closing in the coming weeks.

"Like many smaller care homes across the country, we have faced increasing financial and operational pressures in recent years. Despite our best efforts, it has not been possible to continue operating the home."

Mr Allen described caring for residents over the years as a "privilege".

He said: "To everyone who has been part of the home over the years, residents, families, staff, professionals and members of the local community, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives."

The smaller care home accommodates up to 29 residents and provides residential care, respite support and day care services.

Lathbury Manor specialises in supporting older people living with general frailty, dementia, physical disabilities and learning disabilities. Weekly fees at the home start from £900.

Both of Valuecare Ltd’s care homes were selected for their period character and extensive grounds, with the company aiming to create what it considered a comfortable and historic setting for residents.

The future of Lathbury Manor remains uncertain as joint administrators continue to assess the company’s financial position and ongoing operations.

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