Name and role: Duncan Smith, Managing Director
Company: Caremark (Kirklees)
Sector: Homecare (health and social care)
Describe what your business does?
Caremark (Kirklees) provides home care services which enable people across Huddersfield and the surrounding areas to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes. This includes personal care, such as helping people in and out of bed, washing and dressing through to meal preparation and medication support.
How many staff do you employ?
60
What does your role entail?
I oversee the day-to-day running of the company, ensuring Caremark’s policies and procedures are being followed correctly, as well as looking after the financial, recruitment and marketing side of the business.
What attracted you to start/operate your business in Huddersfield?
After years working for other people, including lots of foreign travel, and with a young family, I was looking to do something closer to my home in Holmfirth. I wanted to run my own business and be in control of my own destiny and I looked at franchising as statistically, this is more successful than setting something up from scratch. I also looked at what would be driving the economy in future years and with an ageing population, care was becoming increasingly more important. I was also inspired by the memory of my Grandfather, Dr Murray Affleck, who was a well-known and respected Consultant at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, and by the experience of seeing both my grandmothers going into residential care and losing their independence very quickly. So, I bought the Caremark franchise for Kirklees in 2015 and haven’t looked back since.
Name some of your biggest business achievements:
In five years, I have established a business providing employment for 60 local people and ensuring well over 100 customers are able to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes.
What advice would you give to someone looking to set up or relocate their business in Huddersfield?
Be mindful of the town’s proud history and heritage, engage with local people, understanding your own client group and get fully involved within the community.
What are your hopes for Huddersfield 10 years from now (2030)?
National and international businesses will be flocking to the town to invest, having been attracted by its fantastic location, stunning architecture, vibrant café culture (it’s coming) and lovely, friendly people. Oh, and Huddersfield Town will be well established in the Premier League and just qualified for the Champions League!
On a personal level, what do you love most about the town?
I was born and raised in Huddersfield, my family are all local, so I love everything about the town, from its rich history (do you know it once had more Rolls Royce cars than anywhere in the UK?) to the amazing people who work so hard, day in day out.
Where is your favourite place to eat/drink in Huddersfield?
The fantastic Clock House Café run by a friend of mine.
Are there any recommendations or local knowledge you’d like to share with a visitor?
It’s the biggest town in the UK so take your time to explore and you are still only ever minutes away from the fantastic Yorkshire countryside, so you get the best of both worlds!
Company Website: https://www.caremark.co.uk/locations/kirklees