UK Enterprise Awards 2021

122 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Apr21277 Elderly Home Care Provider of the Year 2021 - West Midlands Situated in the West Midlands, IHI Care Services Limited provides high-quality and compassionate homecare services for those living with physical and mental disabilities. Following its well-deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with Arif Daya to find out more. Founded in 2012, IHI Care Services Limited was formed by Arif Daya just a few years after the passing of his parents. To start, Arif provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into some of the values it holds. “Prior to starting the business my parents were receiving care from another provider, but the care was of such poor quality, calls were continuously missed, and management seemed to care very little when contacted. Naturally, I didn’t want other people’s parents to receive the same level of poor care and I wanted to give something back to the community. Although running an accountancy practice was good for the wallet it didn’t do much for the soul, and as a result IHI Care Services Limited was launched”. Operating in the healthcare arena can often prove a challenging experience, however as Arif goes on to explain, communication with its clients has enabled the firm to stand out from the crowd. “At all times we go above and beyond and provide care in an empathetic manner. However in this regard client communication is key, for example we send out newsletters and during the pandemic this has certainly helped reassure people that we are here for them. In March 2020, we actually shared our contingency plans so clients were aware of the steps that might occur. In addition, each time we train our staff we communicate with them clearly and support them with any problems they may have”. When it comes to recruitment, anyone joining IHI Care Services Limited must be able to comply with the ethos of the business, as Arif points out. “Ultimately, we try to recruit staff who genuinely want to help people, rather than those who just see it as another job. As a care provider to an independent living scheme, I dressed up as Father Christmas (not much padding was required!) to surprise the residents. Everyone enjoyed this and it put smiles on people’s faces which is the ethos of IHI Care Services Limited”. The outbreak of COVID-19 has placed a lot of unwanted pressure on the British healthcare system, and as Arif elaborates further, it shouldn’t have taken a global pandemic for the industry to get the recognition it deserves. “It’s unfortunate that it took COVID-19 to show the Government just what an important and difficult job carers do. The thanks and appreciation of the nation, whilst very welcome, is not enough. They need to be paid a better wage”. Finally, Arif discusses the main benefits of the firm’s location before outlining some of its future plans. “Sometimes we forget what a great country the United Kingdom is. Yes, we have problems but who doesn’t. With one of the best healthcare systems in the world and some of the best research centres and universities, we are often too eager to put down this great country. “Moving forward, we want to try and grow organically where possible without putting the quality of care we provide at risk. Staff retention and training will remain at the forefront of our thinking, particularly as management staff are always encouraged to grow within their roles and expand their qualifications. Shahrin Merali, a QCF Level 5 Manager has just completed her Level 7 qualification which is a major achievement, so this shows what can be achieved”. Company: IHI Care Services Limited Contact: Arif Daya Email: [email protected] Web: www.ihicareservices.com Address: 91A Cape Hill, Birmingham, B66 4SD Phone: 01214488932