£950k funding drives growth for UK care staffing franchises

A £950,000 funding package from Bibby Financial Services (BFS) is set to accelerate the nationwide growth of Last Minute Care & Nursing, as the sector grapples with rising costs and persistent staff shortages.

Founded in 2011 by dementia care specialist Joseph Willis, Last Minute Care & Nursing is headquartered in Cheshire and operates 16 franchises across the UK. The business has delivered more than 1.5 million hours of care, generated an annual turnover of £8 million, and employed over 3,000 healthcare professionals since its inception.

The injection of capital will support new franchise launches in North Surrey, West Yorkshire and West Lincolnshire, while also providing an established Lancashire branch with additional financial flexibility to manage cost increases and pursue further growth.

Across its network, Last Minute Care & Nursing currently employs around 600 registered staff, with that figure expected to rise as franchise operators expand without the constraints of cashflow limitations.

“We founded Last Minute Care & Nursing to deliver the highest quality care possible and raise the standards of the sector. The business was started with £200 on a credit card, so external finance has always been critical to our success.”

He added that BFS’s flexible funding model aligns closely with the company’s long-term ambitions, enabling the next phase of expansion.

The funding also comes against the backdrop of a workforce crisis in UK social care. According to David Preece, National Franchise Support Manager at Last Minute Care & Nursing, there are currently more than 110,000 unfilled vacancies in the sector.

“Every single vacancy represents a gap in support for vulnerable people,” he said. “BFS was able to unlock an additional £150,000 in cashflow from day one and backed our new franchises by truly understanding our vision. It’s making a tangible difference to the staff we can place and the people we can care for.”

Preece noted that rising employment costs have placed significant strain on providers, making access to flexible finance increasingly important.

Melanie Ince, Head of Sales at BFS, said the lender worked closely with the franchise to tailor a solution that supports both immediate needs and long-term expansion.

“We’re proud to partner with a business that is at the forefront of the care industry,” she said. “Our team worked collaboratively and at pace gaining a deep understanding of the franchise’s needs and ambitions, to deliver an invoice finance solution that supports both their immediate requirements and long-term growth.”

Christopher Stanton added: “With further facilities in progress, I look forward to supporting the franchise as it continues to grow.”