The Hidden Business Opportunity in Devon’s Growing Care Market

Caremark home care business opportunity in devon. carer and elderly woman walking along a beach

More often than not, if you are looking at businesses for sale in Devon or thinking about starting something of your own, you might picture a café or pub in Sidmouth, a shop in Tiverton, or a small hotel in Honiton.

But there is one sector many people overlook. It is in demand all year round, it is growing quickly, and it makes a genuine difference to people’s lives. We are talking about home care.

Why Devon is the perfect place to start a business

Devon has one of the fastest ageing populations in the UK. In towns like Sidmouth, Tiverton, Honiton, and Seaton, the number of people aged 75 and over is increasing every year. Many want to stay in their own homes but need regular support to do so.

Every week, Devon County Council arranges more than 23,600 hours of personal care services. On top of that, another 304 hours go unallocated because there are not enough providers to take them on. In Exmouth, Cullompton, Axminster and Sidmouth, this means people are approved for care but cannot access it.

For anyone with the drive to run their own business, that is a clear sign that help is needed in home care.

A market with room to grow

Here is what makes this a genuine business opportunity in Devon:

Demand is high and will keep growing for years to come
Over £29 million is being added to the local adult social care budget in 2025/26, with more than £16 million set aside to meet rising demand
Some towns have a real shortage of providers, meaning clients are waiting for someone to step in
Care services are needed year-round, giving you a steady income without the seasonal ups and downs many other businesses face

Why care could be the right choice for you

Earlier, we mentioned you might be thinking about cafés, shops, or holiday lets when you search for a business opportunity in Devon. Those can be rewarding, but they often rely on tourism or seasonal trade.

Home care is different. It is essential, it is stable, and it is needed in every community. It also gives you something many other businesses cannot; the chance to build a strong local business while making a real difference to people’s lives.

How you can get started

You do not need a background in care to run a home care business. With the right franchise model, you can focus on building your team, managing day-to-day operations, and growing your client base.

Caremark is one of the UK’s most established home care franchise networks, with over 140 offices across the UK and Ireland. As a Franchise Owner, you receive full support from day one – from setting up your office and registering with the CQC to recruiting your first care staff and finding your first clients.

Where the need is greatest

Caremark has the territories. Devon has the people, the demand and the funding. The only thing missing is you.

If you are ready to take the next step, these areas have space for a committed new provider:

Mid and East Devon
North Devon and Torridge
West Devon and Teignbridge

And there is even more potential beyond these locations.

View Available Territories

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