If we believed everything we read in the tabloids, UK care homes would be in a state of terminal decline.
But while it’s true failing homes are closing, the sector enjoys robust health elsewhere, with more enlightened businesses investing in their assets to ensure they meet the expectations of regulators and customers.
It’s no big surprise to hear from specialist suppliers like Prochem customer and Distributor Award winner Berwick Care how important a clean environment is to that important first impression for every home visitor.
Brassey brothers, Tristan, Carl and Nathan, run the Shrewsbury business established by their father, Mark, in 1997.
“We’ve been having an encouraging year and expect to see steady growth continued in the next,” says Tristan. “Stain and odour issues are critical to residential, nursing and care homes and our clients are becoming more discerning about cleaning solutions.
We tend to recommend Prochem on the basis of the company’s strengths in dedicated solutions for stain removal and odour control solutions as well as some select technologies.”
Indeed, Berwick cite clinical success achieved with Prochem solutions such as Neutra-Soft®, Citrus Gel, Urine Neutraliser and specifically the Fivestar self-contained, upright extractor machine.
“The Fivestar is a case in point,” says Tristan. “It can spray, agitate and extract, all facets of a good clean, and it’s smaller size enables it to be used around beds and visitor chairs without any fuss – plus it has terrific extractor strength.”
Berwick Care operates a showroom and warehouse and enjoys consistent repeat business from the local area and further afield, supported by an active e-commerce offer.
The company utilises Prochem training to ensure its team is familiar with the issues customers encounter and it’s this knowledge that is so welcome when it comes to selling in Prochem brand products.
Says Tristan, appointed a Care Homes Award judge back in April of this year: “Demonstrate Prochem stain removal solutions with one of its machines in a direct comparison with a cheap, retailer-sourced unit and you convert the home owner to Prochem because while the purchase price may be higher, the outcome is so superior, the benefits in cleanliness and presentation outweighing any cost negatives.
“Solutions like Neutra-Soft – we like the thinking behind a single product that does three jobs – and Citrus Gel are real lifesavers in environments where time and results are of the essence.
“Care homes are becoming more discerning – they are raising their game and they are not accepting the status quo anymore,” concludes Tristan.
“Investing in a better home is winning business and ensuring more than just survival.”
Berwick Care sponsored the Good to Great Care Seminar in July 2017. Attended by many of the area’s leading care providers they were rewarded with passionate and inspirational speeches. Watch the highlights here.