The Journal

Care group adds fourth residentia­l home to its portfolio

- COREENA FORD Business writer coreena.ford@reachplc.com

ANORTH Tyneside care group is growing its property portfolio after completing the acquisitio­n of a care home.

Lenore Care, based in Whitley Bay, has acquired the 34-bedroom Melbury House residentia­l care home in Dawdon, near Seaham, County Durham, from owners Robert and Susan Roney for an undisclose­d sum.

The business, owned by Jack and Grace Jenkinson, now has four residentia­l and dementia care homes across the region, and expects to make further acquisitio­ns over the next five years.

The 47-strong team at Melbury House are all being retained, taking the group’s workforce to 115 people.

Michael Cantwell and Julie Cuthbertso­n of RMT Accountant­s & Business Advisors worked with Mr and Mrs Roney on the transactio­n and were introduced to Lenore Care by Michael Wicks, relationsh­ip manager at Unity Trust Bank.

The couple had bought Melbury

House in 2009, initially upgrading its facilities and adding a conservato­ry which overlooks the care home’s private grounds.

A further 12 bedrooms were added to the original 22 in 2013, as well as a new kitchen, dining room and family room.

Mr Roney said: ”Selling Melbury House was part of our retirement plans from when we first bought it, but having run it for so long and knowing our residents and staff so well, it had to go to the right people.

“We felt Jack and Grace were the perfect fit for Melbury House from the very first time they came to view it.

“They recognised the quality of the property, the commitment of our excellent team and most importantl­y the happiness of our residents.

“We’re really comfortabl­e with putting the future of Melbury House in their hands and hope they enjoy running the business as much as we have.”

Mr Jenkinson added: “The family feel of Melbury House was a big part of its appeal, and you can see the personal investment that’s been made in the property as soon as you walk in.

“The building and facilities are immaculate, the staff are friendly and profession­al, and it has an excellent local reputation, meaning that it is always fully occupied.

“Our growth plan for Lenore Care is to make further acquisitio­ns in the next five years as and when the right

Selling Melbury House was part of our retirement plans from when we first bought it, but having run it for so long and knowing our residents and staff so well, it had to go to the right people Robert Roney

properties come along in the right regional locations.”

Michael Cantwell, head of corporate finance at RMT Accountant­s & Business Advisors, said: “The couples’ respective ambitions and priorities matched extremely well, and we’re very pleased to have helped this deal reach a successful conclusion.”

Paul Bell, partner in the Newcastle office of Burnetts LLP, provided legal advice to Robert and Susan on the disposal, with Burnetts solicitor Luca Iannotti assisting with the property aspects of the transactio­n.

 ?? ?? From left: Luca Iannotti of Burnetts LLP, Grace and Jack Jenkinson of Lenore Care and Michael Cantwell of RMT Accountant­s & Business Advisors >
From left: Luca Iannotti of Burnetts LLP, Grace and Jack Jenkinson of Lenore Care and Michael Cantwell of RMT Accountant­s & Business Advisors >

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