Local businessman, Hammad Cheema, is celebrating with his team of carers and support staff, after the West London based in-home care business, Visiting Angels, is recognised with a prestigious award.

Hammad, of West London, has been lauded with Great British Franchisee status at this year’s Great British Franchisee Awards, recognising his team’s ongoing commitment to his clients across Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Wimbledon, Richmond upon Thames, Putney, Merton and Wandsworth. Along with his Operations Manager, Grace and his Registered Care Manager Magdalena, Hammad has been committed to making a real impact on care provision in his local area since launching his business three years ago.

“It feels amazing to be recognised with this award – it’s an incredibly proud moment for me as an entrepreneur,” said Hammad. “I launched with the intention of making a difference for those in need in the community and I share this award with my incredible team who has made my mission and this award possible. In care, it’s imperative to have clients who feel comfortable and trust us while equally having carers who feel valued and driven to progress in their careers. To be credited with such a prestigious award has motivated us to make even more of a positive impact in the area.”

Hammad launched Visiting Angels in March 2020, just four days before the nationwide lockdown. The experienced entrepreneur formed the care company in a bid to tackle rising loneliness in the elderly, meet the growing need for quality care and address the increasingly complex needs clients are facing in the region. Despite the difficulties associated with running a business during lockdown, Hammad saw it as more important than ever to support and to properly reward and celebrate key workers who played such a vital role protecting local vulnerable residents.

Visiting Angels now provides more than 1,000 care hours per week in the community. As Hammad and his team look to the future, his plan is to continue increasing the range of services and care hours provided, whilst maintaining the stellar reputation the team has established.

The judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards explained that Hammad was making a real concentrated impact on care provisions in his community. They said that Hammad was a great role model and ambassador to the Visiting Angels team. He stood out for practising what he preaches - setting his own business up for growth, including investing in a fantastic team. The judges concluded that finding someone like Hammad, who is performing above projections and demonstrating excellent leadership qualities, is exactly what they were looking for when bestowing a Great British Franchisee Award.