Care Group To Expand Following £21.4m Bank Financing

Handsale Ltd, one of the UK’s leading care home operators, is set to expand its portfolio of care homes, including a planned new facility in the Edinburgh area, following a £21.4 million financing package from Santander Corporate & Commercial.

Founded in 1988, Handsale has over 27 years’ experience in the healthcare industry, and currently operates eight care home across the UK – providing a total of 523 beds. The family run business’ main focus is the provision of residential and nursing to the elderly and specialist care for adults.

Bharat Sodha, founder and owner of Handsale, is a qualified pharmacist who had also established a successful pharmacy chain. Alongside his wife Bindu Sodha, who has an equal shareholding, the pair is fully involved in the day-to-day operations of Handsale.

The £21.4 million, financing package from Santander Corporate & Commercial has allowed the firm to consolidate its existing debt from three other banks. This will not only increase the efficiency of the business but also ensure it has accessible funds to develop planned new care facilities, the next of which is set to be in the Edinburgh area. This particular project will bring significant new employment to the area and provide 82 new care places.

Bharat Sodha, Owner of Handsale Ltd, said: “We have extensive experience in the care home sector and are looking forward to working with the Santander Healthcare team and continuing to grow our care operation. We work closely with local authorities to ensure that new and existing care facilities meet, and exceed the requirements of elderly residents and those who require specialist care.”

Arthur Lawrence, Relationship Director at Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “With 27 years of experience running care facilities, Bharat and Bindu understand the real need for modern, well equipped and appealing care homes across the UK. They offer fantastic care, alongside attractive, modern and homely facilities. We look forward to working closely with the Handsale team over the coming years to help ensure the continued delivery of first class elderly care across the UK.”