In this episode of Care CEO Success Stories Podcast, Adam James of Springup PR talks with Haris Khan, founder and CEO of Curaa Group which operates four care homes across the South and South West of England.
His journey into care began in 2019, just three months before Covid-19 struck.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he expanded from one to four homes within four years.
Khan spent over a decade in banking, working both in Canada and London, gaining valuable experience but left the industry in 2015.
His transition to entrepreneurship involved property development before discovering his passion for the care sector through a chance encounter with a former care home owner.
Launching Curaa was not without its challenges.
Khan navigated financing and business hurdles with lessons from his banking career, utilising brokers and professional networks, he successfully acquired his first home.
His adaptability, resourcefulness, and deep involvement on the frontlines during the Covid-19 crisis helped establish him as a respected leader in the sector.
In this episode, Khan discusses success and his hands-on approach, emphasising the importance of visiting the frontline, engaging with residents, and fostering community including:
- His journey from a 15-year banking career to launching care homes after seeking a career with social impact.
- The initial challenges acquiring his first care home three months before Covid-19, “which presented unprecedented operational challenges,” and how he navigated them.
- How the care sector’s support network helped him learn quickly and build connections during the lockdown which was an “unexpected silver lining”.
- Finding fulfilment though “loving what you do and finding a sense of purpose”.
- Financing his first care home by leveraging a strong credit history, previous borrowing experience, and using brokers helped secure favourable loan terms.
- How utilising professional networks of solicitors, accountants, and trade magazines were invaluable resources in navigating the care industry and its nuances.
- Conducting due diligence, research and preparation for a year before making his first deal, emphasising the importance of “patience and planning”.
- The importance of home design in his homes which are converted manor houses with beautiful gardens, “offering a home-away-from-home feel for residents”.