Dolphin Homes appoints new chair

Specialist care provider Dolphin Homes has announced the appointment of Andrew Winning as Chair to support the business in its next stage of growth.

Andrew’s experience in the care sector stems from his role as CFO of Staffordshire-based Voyage Care from 2011 – 2017, where he was a member of the executive team that significantly grew the business through acquisition and new build strategies. As Chair of Dolphin Homes, he will bring this expertise in developing multi-site businesses to his role supporting the incumbent Managing Director Nick Heather on the strategy for growth and expansion across the South of England.

Founded in 1988 with the aim of providing high-quality care and support for young adults, Dolphin Homes has expanded rapidly since 2005, from two sites to fourteen across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. Dolphin’s homes cater for those with learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, physical disabilities and complex health needs, with a focus on supporting independent living for residents.

BGF invested £3.85m into Dolphin Homes in 2017 to fund the provision of two new care homes in Hampshire, as well as further support for Dolphin’s existing homes. Since then, Dolphin has opened Abbey House near Southampton to provide specialist care for adults with Prader Willi Syndrome. Recent inspections by the Care Quality Commission have continued to support the high quality of  Dolphin’s services, and levels of care for the residents.

The introduction to Andrew came through BGF’s Talent Network which connects portfolio companies with expertise, guidance and knowledge to help support growth.

Andrew Winning commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Dolphin at such an exciting stage of its growth plan. Nick and the team have done a fantastic job over the last few years to scale up and expand the business but stay true to their mission of providing high-quality care services and supporting residents to lead independent lives as valued members of the community. I’m looking forward to helping shape and support the team’s ambitious strategy moving forward, bringing my skills and experience to an industry I’m really passionate about.”

Nick Heather, Managing Director of Dolphin Homes, commented: “We’re delighted to have Andrew joining the team at Dolphin with his experience and track record of growing businesses in this sector. We’ve got some exciting plans in place for the coming months and Andrew’s knowledge and experience will help us build further and reach more people that need our services.”