Life as a small business owner can sometimes be stressful. Running a business can be challenging, sometimes disappointing and frustrating. But it can also be exciting and a source of great satisfaction – and income.

Although there’s no “one size fits all” recipe for small business success, we share many common challenges and strategies. And what better way to learn than from others who’ve been in business like ourselves?

This prompted us to give our clients an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses, and to share some precious insights from their experience and expertise.

Great Park Home Care is an award-winning, independent family-run company providing home care in Windsor & beyond, with over 25 years of experience delivering professional, bespoke and best-in-class home care services.

Romola Ganguli, MBA is the Co-Director & Owner of Great Park Home Care

A regular radio contributor/presenter, Romola is Chair of a local Independent Digital Solutions Group supporting those at home through assistive technology.

Romola’s mission is for clients’ needs to be met through exacting high standards of care that can be trusted.

How would you explain your business to someone who has no knowledge of it?

Our business provides bespoke support and care services to adults in their own homes.

How long have you been in this business? And in other businesses?

This business – 7 years. Other businesses – 19 years

Why did you choose it?

Poor personal experience of finding care for loved ones at home, led us to make a better difference to people’s lives.

How did you get started?

We first set up as a Franchise but having reached the point of experiencing limited Franchisor support, we evolved into an independent, family- run Company in our own right with our own strong values.

How do you attract your clients?

Word of mouth ‘referrals’ is by far, the most successful way of attracting clients. We also use social media and online promotion. Our printed brochure is made available throughout the areas we serve.

Can you describe your customers?

Many of our customers are older adults who are unable to undertake daily tasks on their own. Whilst older, many clients are spirited and wish to remain fiercely independent.

Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years?

Next year, we hope to have increased our clientele within Windsor and surrounding areas. The next five years, we hope will see us expand our territory and services whilst maintaining the same high standards of care services for clients in their own homes.

Which things make you happy as a small business owner?

Seeing the daily smiles on our clients and staff, whilst knowing our company is making big and positive differences to people’s lives locally, as an employer of choice and as a homecare provider of choice. The freedom of being a business owner also brings a level of satisfaction and choice.

Which is your best-selling product or service and why do you think your clients love it so much?

Our Companionship Service is successful because both staff and clients can have good quality time together to enjoy hobbies and conversations which lift their spirits. Older persons especially, who are living alone, need psychological and emotional protection from becoming isolated socially.

Why do your customers select you over your competitors?

Our reputation to deliver honesty, value for money, high quality of services and flexibility are key to our success. Customers can trust us to do the right thing without fleecing them, being tied into long-term contracts or neglecting their care by putting profit before people. All staff and clients are treated and looked after as a family, not as a number.

Customer Retention: how do you keep your customers happy?

We closely and regularly monitor our Services and gain Annual and ad hoc customer feedback, to respond effectively and swiftly to meet client needs

Which challenges did and do you face, running your business?

The biggest past and ongoing challenge is shared industry-wide…that of finding hard-working, compassionately caring staff who can drive and can commit to professionalism. The second biggest challenge is constantly complying with and satisfying the vagaries of the industry-regulated body CQC, whilst seeing lesser performing companies in the same industry, breaching compliance. That said, we pride ourselves on keeping on the right side of the Regulations and law, ensuring our clients and staff are safe and happy.

Is there any business lesson you learnt through experience that you wish you knew about earlier in life?

Invest time and education in a business or occupation that you are truly passionate about… not what others think you should be doing.

How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

Work, rest and play in equal measure and with equal zeal.

Which is your best strategy for time management?

Be organised and implement systems which create efficiencies that reduce stress and time, delegating