A home care company based in Wantage has been named on a list of the UK's fastest-growing businesses.

Walfinch has been included in the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024, making it one of just 350 businesses listed out of a total of 5.6 million nationwide.

Chief executive Amrit Dhaliwal said: "Our inclusion in the list is proof that the home care sector is a great business to be in, delivering the satisfaction of making a positive impact on your community while making sustainable profits.

"This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team from frontline carers to franchisees and the experienced head office team, and we are excited to continue our journey of growth and innovation."

Mr Dhaliwal launched Walfinch in 2019 after seeing how the home care industry could be improved through his experience running hospitality and property businesses.

The company now has 33 franchisee managing directors, providing personalised care from local offices around the country.

Walfinch's 494-strong team of carers currently care for more than 699 people, with several offices now reaching £2 million in turnover.

Mr Dhaliwal said: "Now we have worked out how individual businesses can deliver high-quality care in a sustainable and profitable way, and we have come up with a range of strategies to support our network of franchisees in creating thriving businesses.

"We are recruiting more franchisees who want to join us in expanding our personalised care services."

Fast growth firms are typically defined as those achieving 20 per cent growth a year.

They make up less than one per cent of the UK business population but represent half of the total turnover of UK small and medium-sized businesses.

They contribute to a significant proportion of new jobs in the UK annually and are often at the cutting edge of their respective industries, bringing innovative products, services, and processes to the market.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, the founder of the UK Fast Growth Index, said: "The businesses listed in this year’s UK Fast Growth Index represent the best of British entrepreneurship.

"Their collective contributions are driving significant economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy."

The index highlights the 50 fastest-growing businesses in seven nations and regions based on turnover growth over a two-year period.

It also aims to build a community that supports, celebrates, and champions entrepreneurs at various stages.

Walfinch's specific ranking within the list will be revealed at the UK Fast Growth Awards on November 28 at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London.