Cardiff-headquartered care provider Shaw healthcare marks 40 years in business

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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One of UK’s largest social care employers is celebrating a major milestone as Shaw healthcare marks its 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades of growth from a housing association into a UK-wide care operator.

Founded in February 1986 by Jeremy Nixey, the organisation began by providing secure housing and housing-related support and, over time, it expanded into care provision.

Headquartered in Cardiff, Shaw healthcare operates 63 registered care services across England, Wales and Scotland, working in partnership with local authorities and NHS bodies.

Its services span residential, nursing and dementia care, alongside mental health support, acquired brain injury services and support for people with physical and learning disabilities.

The organisation also delivers facilities management services across parts of its estate.

The company employs more than 3,300 staff and supports over 2,100 care beds, with services used daily by thousands of residents and families.

In May 2020, Shaw transitioned to employee ownership. The following year, Russell Brown was appointed Chief Executive to lead the next phase of the organisation’s development.

Since becoming employee-owned, the provider has been named Employee-Owned Business of the Year and recognised as both the UK’s third-largest employee-owned company and its largest employee-owned care provider.

Growth has continued in Wales, including the acquisition of three specialist services in south Wales during 2024..

Chief Executive, Russell Brown, said: “Shaw has always been a people business. Reaching 40 years gives us the opportunity to recognise the employees, communities and partners who support our work, while continuing to focus on delivering high-quality, compassionate care for the residents we are privileged to care for.”

The anniversary was marked throughout February with events across Shaw services, including tree-planting initiatives linked to the organisation’s environmental commitments.