Thinking of Starting a Family Business? Here’s Why Families Choose Caremark

If you are exploring a family business that blends commercial results with meaningful work, Caremark offers a proven path. Our model suits husband and wife teams, siblings, and parent and child partnerships who want to build something long-term, rooted in values, with experienced support behind them.

Caremark’s family model in practice

Michael Folkes, Franchise Owner of Caremark Cheltenham & Tewkesbury and Gloucester & Stroud, did not set out expecting to follow in his father’s footsteps. After years of working together in a previous venture and seeing the success and stability his father had built with Caremark, the idea of launching his own business began to take shape.

His father, Charles Folkes, opened Caremark Redcar & Cleveland 17 years ago. By the time Michael moved to Cheltenham with his young family, he was ready for a new challenge, something he could grow himself, with purpose at the core.

“I started looking at franchises for sale, and since my father had Caremark, was successful, and really liked the model, it stood out to me right away”.

How families learning together to lead locally

Michael launched his Caremark franchise eight years ago and now runs the business with his wife. Though he serves a different region from his father, the two still talk regularly, comparing notes, offering support, and sharing learnings from their respective areas.

“The markets are very different, and so are the businesses, but we’ve always been able to bounce ideas around”.

He recalls how reassuring it was to have his dad in his corner when starting, especially while balancing the demands of a young family.

“There was never any pressure. Just practical advice and real support through the chaos of life, especially as I was starting the business at the same time as becoming a new parent”.

Now eight years in, Michael and his wife have built a thriving family business that reflects their leadership style, local market, and personal values. They are part of a wider network of like-minded franchise owners, backed by Caremark’s proven model and dedicated support team.

Why Caremark works for family businesses

Michael’s story reflects what is possible at Caremark. You can grow a family business that is commercially successful, personally rewarding, and rooted in something meaningful.

• Family is rooted in Caremark’s Franchise Support Centre. Our CEO and our Franchise Manager are father and son, so we understand the realities of building a family business and leading with care.
• Caremark’s onboarding and field support help you define clear roles, set boundaries, and split responsibilities in a way that suits your skills and your family business goals.
• You build a team that serves families in your community while creating a legacy your own family can be proud of.

When care is part of your family’s story, the impact speaks for itself. And in the Folkes family, that legacy is thriving.

Next steps

Ready to explore a purposeful family business? Start here: See current franchise for sale opportunities.