Family-run business acquires ‘outstanding’ residential care home in West Sussex following £2.1m funding package from Unity Trust Bank

A family-run business has added a third residential care home to its portfolio following a seven-figure funding package from Unity Trust Bank.

Bown Holdings Limited – whose directors are Andy Bown and his mother, Elizabeth – bought The Shelley Residential Care Home in Worthing, West Sussex, following a £2.1m loan from the commercial bank with a social conscience.

It is one of only 10 care homes in the country to be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) across all five key assessment areas – safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and leadership.

Opened in 2005, The Shelley provides bespoke support for 32 residents and is designed to a superior standard with luxurious private en-suite bedrooms, lounge, dining room, café area and hair salon.

Susan Sellman, Relationship Manager at Unity Bank Trust, said: “We support businesses that improve the quality of life for people in local communities.

“The Bown family are experienced service providers and we are pleased to support the purchase of The Shelley, which has the highest assessment ratings possible.”

With beautiful landscaped gardens and close to Worthing town centre and beachfront, The Shelley organises a range of stimulating activities for residents such as day trips, craft workshops and exercise classes.

Andy Bown said: “We are delighted to have purchased The Shelley Residential Care Home after the previous owners retired and we will continue to maintain its good name, with a real focus on quality and detail.

“It is a beautiful home and fits with our ethos of providing residents with homely surroundings that are inviting and well-run.

“This is the first time we have worked with Unity Trust Bank. Their ethical approach appealed to us and we have built up a great relationship which is very important.”

Elizabeth Bown has managed 23-bed Abbey Lodge Care Home in Hythe, Kent since 1996 and Andy Brown has run 19-bed Place Farm House Care Home in Patcham, Brighton since 2016. Both homes have ‘Good’ CQC ratings.

Eighty-five staff are employed across all three businesses.