BGF’s South West team has invested £3.85m in support of Dolphin Homes, a South Coast based specialist care provider for young adults with complex health needs. The funds will be used for the provision of two new care homes in Hampshire, as well as investing further into Dolphin’s existing homes. Now operating 12 homes with a total of 99 beds, the investment will see the group expand to 136 beds.
Dolphin’s care homes cater for adults with learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, physical disabilities and complex health needs, focusing on quality of care and supporting them to live independent lives. The business was founded by current director Peter Heather, in 1988, with the aim of providing high quality accommodation, care, assistance and support for people within the South England. Nick Heather, Peter’s son, joined Dolphin in 2005 as Managing Director and has developed the estate from two sites to the current 12.
The company runs homes in three counties – Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey – where the emphasis is on “home”, and residents are active and valued members of the community. Each home is adapted and furnished for the residents in mind and can provide wheelchair accessibility or supported living to encourage independence.
In addition to the investment, Mark Beadle will join as Non-Executive Chairman. Mark is currently Chairman of BGF-backed Springfield Healthcare and has a wealth of experience in operational roles in the healthcare sector. Mark was previously the Chief Operating Officer at Priory Healthcare Group.
The investment by BGF was led by Greg Norman, Edwin Davies and Ned Dorbin who work across BGF’s offices in Bristol and Reading
Santander Bank plc continue to provide existing facilities to Dolphin. Nick Gross at Coffin Mew acted for BGF, and Jonathon Roy at Paris Smith for Dolphin Homes.
Nick Heather of Dolphin explained: “We chose to partner with BGF for our next stage of growth as its long-term, patient capital model provides the flexibility we need to expand services, whilst remaining in control of our decision-making processes.”
“Our sites offer the best specialist care to patients with higher dependency needs – our new homes will give our residents and staff access to the best healthcare facilities available.”
Greg Norman of BGF added: “Nick, Peter and the wider team have grown Dolphin Homes whilst retaining an absolute focus on providing the best care facilities for residents. We are pleased to be supporting the team’s long terms care aspirations across its care-home network.”