· Name of Business I’m Worried About Mum
· Who are you? I’m an independent social worker with 25 years’ experience in social care. I specialise in supporting families who are caring for elderly parents, and dementia in particular
· What sets you apart from the competition? I offer direct social work expertise at the end of the phone, without any red tape or referral needed. I help families to navigate the social care system and give them choice and control over social care. I’m flexible and only work with 8 clients at any one time so I’m responsive and available when they need me.
· How did the business come about? Burnout and dis-satisfaction with what I was able to offer as a social worker within social services and the desire to create a better service.
· What are your main target markets? Busy, professional sons and daughters who need advice, information and support to find the right care solution for their self-funding mum or dad
· How long has your business been in existence? 5 years
· How many staff do you employ? None. I’m a sole trader
· What job or achievement makes you most proud? Valuing myself and my skills enough to walk away from the safety of paid employment and start my own business
· Where do you see the business being in five years? I want to franchise I’m Worried About Mum so that independent social work support is available across the UK
· Tell us one interesting thing about the business that might surprise us? You can work as a social worker outside local authority employment. I’m a registered social worker, exactly the same as my colleagues in social services.
· Tell us one interesting thing about you that people might not know? (ie, hobbies, amusing fact, etc) I have walked on fire for charity
· Fantasy dinner party – which six people alive or dead would you invite? Elton John, Jamie Oliver, Graham Norton, Ian McKellen, Fiona Bruce and Dolly Parton