Caremark History

From one care business to more than 150 offices

Caremark’s history began with our founder, Kevin Lewis, and his belief that excellent care should help people remain living safely and independently at home.

His experience in care shaped the policies, procedures and operating model that later became Caremark. Today, more than 150 independently owned offices operate across the UK and Ireland, united by the same purpose and commitment to excellent home care.

The network has grown considerably, but the focus remains the same: supporting local Franchise Owners to build strong businesses that improve lives in their communities.

Where the Caremark story began

Kevin Lewis entered the care sector in 1987 when he opened a care home.

During the early 1990s, changes to the way local care was commissioned created a greater role for independent providers. In 1993, after Kevin had built a strong local reputation, social services invited him to expand into home care, also known as domiciliary care. The service grew and became an established provider in the area.

Kevin recognised that franchising could bring a consistent, high quality approach to more communities. He developed a detailed operating model, supported by clear policies and procedures, and launched his first home care franchise business in 1995.

After that earlier business was acquired by a public limited company in 2001, Kevin used his experience to establish Caremark UK in 2005. The first Caremark franchise opened the following year.

Our Timeline

1987 – Kevin Lewis opened a Care Home

1990 – Community Care Act

1993 – Diversification into home care

1995 – First home care franchise launched

2001 – Business acquired by PLC

2005 – Caremark UK launched

2006 – The first Caremark Franchise opened

2007 – Caremark International launched

2021 – Kevin Lewis sadly passed away, and Caremark is under new leadership

2024 – The network reached 130 UK offices

2025 – Caremark celebrated 20 years of providing excellent home care

2026 – The Caremark network grew to over 150 offices across the UK and Ireland.

What more than 20 years of experience means for you

Caremark’s history underscores the potential for success in franchising within the home care sector. We have developed considerably since 2005, responding to changes in care regulation, technology, recruitment and the needs of customers and families.

The franchise model has evolved too, with expanded specialist support, leadership development, national marketing and technology helping Franchise Owners operate and grow their businesses.

For a prospective Franchise Owner, Caremark’s history means joining a model shaped by more than 20 years of direct experience. You can build your own local business using established systems, policies and support, while becoming part of the next stage of Caremark’s development.