Home Instead's Sunny Singh Wins Great British Franchisee Award 2026

In just three years, Home Instead franchise owner Sunny Singh has grown an established home care business into a successful multi-unit operation, earning recognition as a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards 2026.

Sunny, who operates Home Instead territories across South East Northumberland, North Tyneside and Durham, has been recognised for his impressive commercial performance, commitment to developing his team and dedication to delivering high-quality care within his local communities.

His journey demonstrates how the combination of business experience, personal motivation and the support of an established franchise network can create a strong foundation for growth.

Finding a business with purpose

Before joining Home Instead in May 2023, Sunny had developed a successful career in financial planning and analysis, working across industries including energy and recruitment. Alongside his corporate career, he and his wife also operated convenience stores and post offices, giving him practical experience of running businesses, managing people and delivering customer service.

However, it was a personal experience that ultimately influenced his decision to enter the home care sector. Following his mother’s stroke and other family health challenges, Sunny gained a greater understanding of the importance of compassionate, high-quality care.

He wanted his next business venture to offer more than commercial success, providing an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to individuals and families. Home Instead’s relationship-led approach to care aligned with these ambitions, and Sunny decided to invest in an established franchise territory in South East Northumberland.

Growing from one territory to three

Purchasing an existing Home Instead franchise gave Sunny an established business with an experienced team, existing clients and a positive reputation in the local community.

However, taking ownership also presented challenges.

Sunny recognised the importance of understanding the business and gaining the trust of long-serving employees before introducing changes. By focusing on communication, developing relationships and empowering his team, he gradually strengthened the business’s operational structure.

Within his first year, he expanded into multi-unit ownership, acquiring additional territories in North Tyneside and Durham.

Since taking ownership, monthly revenues have increased by almost 30%, supported by consistent double-digit year-on-year growth and improved profitability.

For Sunny, the key to managing this expansion has been creating a strong leadership structure capable of supporting growth without compromising care standards. Rather than remaining involved in every operational decision, he has developed managers who can take responsibility for their teams and make confident decisions.

This has enabled him to focus on business strategy, future opportunities and maintaining consistency across his territories.

Reflecting on his journey and award win, Sunny said, “Winning a Great British Franchisee Award is a fantastic achievement and something I’m extremely proud of. When I joined Home Instead, I had a strong business background but no previous experience of working in the care sector. What I did have was a clear understanding of why I wanted to make that move and what I hoped to achieve.

“Taking on an established franchise gave me a strong starting point, and having the support of the wider Home Instead network has been invaluable as we’ve grown. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that successful expansion isn’t just about increasing revenue; it’s about investing in the right people, building strong foundations and staying true to the values that motivated you in the first place.”

Investing in the people behind the business

One of Sunny’s biggest priorities has been creating an environment where employees feel supported, recognised and able to develop their careers. He has introduced a strong focus on leadership development, with several employees progressing into more senior positions.

Among them is an Operations Manager who originally joined the business as a Care Manager and has since progressed to overseeing operations across multiple services. Other team members have moved from frontline care roles into supervisory and management positions, demonstrating the opportunities available for professional development.

Sunny has also introduced initiatives designed to strengthen employee engagement, including regular team gatherings, recognition awards and opportunities for colleagues to spend time together outside their usual working environment. This focus on people has been essential to maintaining a positive workplace culture as the business has expanded.

Combining commercial success with community impact

Alongside business growth, Sunny has remained committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

By listening to feedback from clients and their families, he has introduced additional services, including live-in care and nail care, helping the business respond to changing local needs.

His Home Instead business has also received recognition as one of the Top 20 Home Care Providers in North East England in the 2026 homecare.co.uk awards.

Community engagement remains another important priority. Sunny’s business chairs the Dementia Friendly Cramlington group, which brings together local organisations, healthcare professionals and businesses to raise awareness and improve support for people living with dementia.

Through initiatives including a Dementia Roadshow at Manor Walks in Cramlington, the group has helped residents access information and connect with local support services. For Sunny, these activities reflect the importance of ensuring business success translates into positive outcomes for the communities his teams serve.

Sharing experience with the next generation of franchise owners

Sunny’s involvement extends beyond his own business. Having joined Home Instead through a franchise resale before expanding into multi-unit ownership, he regularly shares his experiences with prospective franchisees.

He has already spoken with ten individuals exploring franchise ownership, offering insight into the opportunities and considerations involved in purchasing and developing an established business.

He also participates in knowledge-sharing opportunities within the Home Instead network, learning from fellow franchisees and contributing ideas to support wider business development. His willingness to share experiences reflects the collaborative approach that has helped shape his own franchise journey.

Looking towards further growth

With three territories now under his ownership, Sunny is continuing to explore opportunities for expansion. His longer-term ambition is to develop a five-office operation within his first five years, supported by further investment in leadership, operational systems and employee development.

However, he remains clear that growth must be sustainable and aligned with the values that first attracted him to the care sector. His recognition as a Great British Franchisee Award winner celebrates not only his commercial achievements but also his commitment to building a business that delivers positive outcomes for employees, clients and local communities.

For prospective franchise owners, Sunny’s journey offers an example of how an established franchise model can provide the foundations for entrepreneurial ambition, professional development and long-term business growth.

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