Bringing Our Franchise Network Together: Right at Home UK’s 2026 Annual Conference
Published: 23/09/2026
15 Years Of Franchising
This month, Franchise Owners and colleagues from across Right at Home UK came together at Carden Park in Cheshire for our 2026 Annual Conference. This year's theme was "Crystal", marking 15 years of franchising in the UK.
The two days gave Franchise Owners a chance to step away from the day-to-day and spend time with people who understand what running a homecare business involves.
It was also a moment to reflect on how far our network has come. From July 2025 to July 2026, our offices delivered almost three million hours of care and support. Behind that figure are local teams who have built their businesses around helping people to live well in their own homes.
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"Our Annual Conference is a great opportunity to bring our network together, but it is particularly valuable for new Franchise Owners in our RightStart programme. They can meet their peers, hear directly about their experiences and gain invaluable insights as they begin building their own businesses.
"The relationships built at events like this are an important part of being a Right at Home Franchise Owner. There is a real willingness across our network to share ideas, learn from one another and support each other."
– Kate Dilworth | Associate Director - Network Development, Right at Home UK
Our 2026 Celebration Awards
Our Celebration Awards, held every year during Conference, recognised achievements across the network, from business performance to the care our teams provide in Clients' homes.
Business of the Year
Right at Home Central Wiltshire was named Business of the Year. The award recognises an office that combines strong business performance with a commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Managing Director Jack Miller said:
"This award reflects how much we have developed together over the past year, but importantly, it recognises the hard work and commitment of everyone at Right at Home Central Wiltshire. I'm incredibly proud of what the team has achieved."
Employer of the Year
Right at Home Isle of Wight received the Employer of the Year Award. So far in 2026, the office has achieved a 92% staff retention rate, and 67% of its office roles have been filled through internal progression. In its anonymous employee survey, every respondent said they would recommend the organisation as a great place to work.
Paul Butler, Director and Owner of Right at Home Isle of Wight, said:
"We are incredibly honoured to receive the Employer of the Year Award. This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of our whole team, who make our organisation a great place to work every day.
"We firmly believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating a supportive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed. This award belongs to every member of our team."
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Care Assistant of the Year
Fern Swift from Right at Home Stevenage, Bishop's Stortford & Braintree was named Care Assistant of the Year. The award was introduced with a video in which Clients and families Fern supports, along with her colleagues, shared what her work means to them.
One Client said:
"She's like a friend to me now. We've done so well together. It's a lovely relationship to be in."
Fern said:
"I got into care to help people. That is the most important thing. I was so nervous on the night, so to hear my name called was an amazing feeling. I'm so proud to have won the award and to have been recognised for doing something that means so much to me."
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Other Awards for Exceptional Care Professionals
Tina Malam, Registered Manager at Right at Home South Cheshire, received the Care Leader of the Year Award. The award recognised the positive effect of Tina's leadership on the quality of care her office provides, as well as her work to strengthen colleague engagement and retention.
Meanwhile, Grantley Lynch, Managing Director of Right at Home Medway, received the Spirit of Franchising Award. Chosen by fellow Franchise Owners, the award recognises the collaboration and peer support that help to make our network stronger.
Our Celebration Awards in full:
Right Start Award (sponsored by MCS) – Right at Home Salisbury & Andover
Marketing Champion Award (sponsored by Found by Lottie) – Right at Home Solent & Southampton
Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by Lifted) – Right at Home Isle of Wight
Growth Award (sponsored by Emma AI) – Right at Home Bromsgrove, Redditch & Droitwich
Overall Sales Award (sponsored by HSBC) – Joe Guishard, Right at Home Cardiff & Newport and Right at Home Bridgend & Vale of Glamorgan
Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Greenwood Moreland) – Right at Home Central Wiltshire
Spirit of Franchising Award – Grantley Lynch, Right at Home Medway
Rising Star of the Year Award (sponsored by the BFA) – Amy Purps, Right at Home Central Wiltshire
Care Leader of the Year Award (sponsored by My Learning Cloud) – Tina Malam, Right at Home South Cheshire
Care Assistant of the Year Award (sponsored by The Access Group) – Fern Swift, Right at Home Stevenage, Bishop's Stortford & Braintree
2026 Premier Circle members: Alastair Shanks, Jack Miller, Grant Atwood, Kev Popat & Amy Patel Popat, Joe Guishard, Ben Selby, Scott MacRae and Duncan Cameron.
Raising Money for Dementia Adventure
More than £7,000 was raised during Conference for our national charity partner, Dementia Adventure. The charity helps people living with dementia and their families to enjoy supported holidays and time outdoors, so they can stay connected with the world around them.
As part of the programme, delegates took part in a fundraising firewalk led by Scott Bell, founder of UK Firewalk and a former Guinness World Record holder for the longest distance walked on fire.
Thank You
We would like to thank everyone who joined us at Carden Park, as well as the sponsors who supported this year's awards evening: MCS, Found by Lottie, Lifted, Emma AI, HSBC, Greenwood Moreland, the British Franchise Association, My Learning Cloud and The Access Group.
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