A WIRRAL home care company owner has picked up a national business award for leadership, mentorship, and business acumen.

Catharine Chalton, who owns Home Instead Senior Care Wirral, has been named Woman Franchisee of the Year 2020 in the Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) awards.

EWIF is a not-for-profit organisation, providing advice and guidance to women looking for a route into the franchise industry. Their mission is to educate, inspire and empower women considering or involved in franchising through a network of Ambassadors.

Catharine's Wirral business is part of the Home Instead national franchise network which has 224 offices across the UK.

Catharine opened her home care company in 2007 with husband Mike and was recognised by the organisation for excelling in her role as both a franchisee and a representative for franchising.

Catharine has served on the board of the British Franchise Association since 2013. She is also highly active in her local community, with her office running their own charitable arm "The Wirral Care Foundation", which supports small, local initiatives who may otherwise struggle to get

Last year her Home Instead office achieved its highest ever turnover, with a team of 180 staff. The year also saw them deliver their millionth hour of care.

The award was presented to her by Amy Thomas, from McDonald's Franchise Recruitment and Reputation, during a virtual ceremony.

Her office was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating in 2019 by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulator of care providers in England.

Chief executive of Home Instead, Martin Jones said: "Catharine is certainly a deserving winner for EWIF's Woman Franchisee of the Year.

"I am very proud of her achievements and outstanding contribution to the Home Instead network, and the broader franchising sector.

"Congratulations to Catharine!"

Catharine commented: "I am overwhelmed and thrilled to have won this award.

"It means so much that I've been recognised, not only as a business owner, but as a woman who has had an influential effect on the British franchising industry.

"I'm proud to be a franchisee of Home Instead and to represent them through this prestigious award."