BENNETT VERBY HELPS ASPIRING ENTREPRENEUR WITH FIRST VENTURE

Accountants Bennett Verby has helped an aspiring entrepreneur realise a lifelong dream of becoming her own boss with the acquisition of her first business venture.

When Bijal Rathour, who has a background in operational management, wanted a new challenge she quit her job and decided to undertake six months voluntary work at Eden Mansions in Styal as a care assistant.

Inspired by the work, Bijal decided she wanted to buy a care home and, after researching available properties that had good Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings, she acquired Bolton-based Astley Grange Nursing Home which has 26 bedrooms.

With the help of Bennett Verby Directors John Sutcliffe (pictured left)  and Neil Jones, Bijal and business partner, Nehal Patel, secured funding and paid around £800,000 for the business.

She now has ambitious plans to completely refurbish Astley Grange and acquire further properties to build a portfolio of care homes that meet the highest standards of the CQC

Bijal said:

“I wanted a change of direction so decided to do some voluntary work. I soon realised I wanted to acquire a care home where I could maintain a quality personal service to residents.

“With its good CQC rating, Astley Grange was perfect. We are now looking at further acquisitions to build a portfolio of the highest quality care homes.

“The acquisition process was not without complications but the team at Bennett Verby produced excellent financial forecasts and business plans which enable us to secure funding and successfully complete the deal.”

Bijal is continuing to work with Stockport-based Bennett Verby to help grow the business. Data from the BDRC SME finance monitor calculates that of those 17 per cent of UK SMES which produce monthly management reports and stick to their business plans, have been able to sustain growth of around 30 per cent for three consecutive years.

Bennett Verby Director John Sutcliffe added:

“We were delighted to advise Bijal and Nehal on the acquisition of Astley Grange and looking forward to helping them successfully grow their business in the future.”