The Petersfield-based company’s birthday coincided with training sessions for its five new franchisees, who themselves will provide significant boosts to their local economies by operating from business premises, and employing carers.

Bluebird Care, the UK’s fastest growing provider of care at home, was set up in September 2004 by husband and wife team, Paul and Lisa Tarsey, who opened one office in Petersfield, Hampshire.

Today, Bluebird Care operates from 55 towns and cities – stretching from Cardiff to Canterbury and Limerick to Edinburgh – and employs over 500 carers. The five new offices are set to open in Ealing; Bradford; Ardingly in West Sussex; Slough/Gerrard’s Cross; and Dublin North East.

Looking ahead, current projections are that Bluebird Care will recruit between 17 and 20 new franchisees during the next 12 months – a figure described as a realistic, rather than hopeful, target. It comes as particularly good news for local economies, with unemployment figures at their highest levels since Labour came to power in 1997.

Managing director Paul Tarsey is satisfied by the company’s growth but is keen to not rest on his laurels. He said: "We are delighted with the speed by which we have grown and despite this, we have never let the quality of our service slip and I think this is reflected in the growing public demand for our services".

Bluebird Care attributes its rapid growth to a variety of factors, including:

• Tailoring its care packages to mirror public demand, with the emphasis on a straightforward, professional approach and recognition of each customer’s individual needs.
• Establishing itself as a market leader in the toughest of economic climates, by adopting a robust business model that allows cost-effective care – but no compromise on quality.
• Responding to the Government’s policy of allowing people to stay in their homes for as long as their personal and clinical needs permit.

Paul added, "We view people as individuals – customers with choices, rather than patients. We place our emphasis on value for money, professionalism and good old-fashioned service."

Franchise director Simon Dalziel said: "It seems fitting to celebrate our birthday with our latest franchisees as they will be the face of Bluebird Care in towns and cities the length of breadth of the country."

Bluebird Care works with Social Services, GPs and Primary Care Trusts and also offers live-in support for people who would like, or who need, a greater level of care provision.