£1.5 Million Extension To Plympton Care Home - 30 new jobs to be created

08/12/2008

A well established family run residential home for the elderly is to open a new £1.5m extension and create 30 new jobs, thanks to support from Clydesdale Bank.

Ashleigh Manor is located in a quiet part of Plympton on the outskirts of Plymouth and was established over 20 years ago by Maureen Lawley and the current 38 bedroom home is now managed by both Maureen and her daughter Loretta Maher-Lawley.

The new purpose-built extension features 28 en-suite bedrooms all with individually controlled under floor heating, digitally enabled TV points, private telephones and internet access, and many rooms will also boast French door access to the 1.5 acre grounds.  A further four lounge dining rooms will be created, bringing the total number in Ashleigh Manor to ten.

Maureen said: “We have a happy and relaxed environment which has been successful because of our family run approach.  We know our residents and their families and are able to cater for individual needs and requirements.

“However, over the years our sector has become more regulated and adapting existing facilities to comply becomes more difficult and costly. We came up with a business plan to expand, while continuing to provide the very best in facilities and care – and Clydesdale helped us to realise the benefits that economies of scale could bring to the business.”

Steve Tyers, a business partner in the Healthcare team at Clydesdale Bank’s Plymouth Financial Solutions Centre said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to assist Maureen and Loretta with the expansion of their business which will not only generate a significant number of local jobs but also give an opportunity to 28 new residents to experience the high standards of personal care and attention that Ashleigh Manor is well known for. 

Maureen Lawley concluded: “We are passionate about what we do and proud that we can retain a very real personal touch whilst respecting the freedom and dignity of our residents.

“We are also grateful to Steve Tyers and Clydesdale Bank for seeing the value of what we are trying to achieve and for backing us all the way through this complex but really worthwhile development.”