December Talk with Katrina Simms

It's almost Christmas and December is becoming more festive. Today we're talking to Katrina Simms who is operations director at Helping Old Friends Ltd which is a 'help in the home' business delivering a realistically priced companionship service. The company is based at the Shaw Village Centre in Swindon.

It’s December – is this a busy time for your business?  
In December we will have been in business for six months, and it has become obvious that there is an ever-increasing need for the services we provide.

As we enter into this festive season we are only too aware of how many people will be celebrating alone and who may benefit from our help.

Christmas is coming – what does Christmas mean for you? 
Christmas for me really means spending time with the family. Last Christmas, so many people’s plans were ruined by Covid19. With the new variant, this is obviously a concern again, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can all spend this Christmas with loved ones.

This year, we also have a puppy so we are wondering what she is going to make of the Christmas tree!

What’s on Santa’s List for your business in 2022?
As a new business, we are doing very well but we would of course like more customers. We help people who, for whatever reason, find themselves alone and a little isolated, and we know that this applies to a lot of elderly people, especially in the winter months when it is harder to get out.

We’d also like to recruit more companions. The job is perfect for someone who has a little time on their hands, and likes to get out and about and help others.

And what’s on your list personally? 
That’s a hard one. Does health and happiness sound too cheesy? Maybe a new pair of slippers (the puppy enjoyed the last ones).

What has been your greatest business lesson this year? 
To have patience! We knew there was a need for our services, and I believe we have found a niche that will help many people in making their lives more fulfilled. I am delighted to say we have met all our targets, but I am itching to help more people but we do have to pace ourselves, as we also need to bring more companions on board.

What have been your business highlights in 2021? 
Just setting up our business was a big highlight for me, plus meeting our targets in the first six months. I have worked in care for many, many years, both as a carer and a manager, but had become disillusioned with the way the system operates. This was a new direction for me, as rather than care we are offering companionship.

What are your personal highlights in 2022?
Helping more people to stay independent in their homes

Looking forward to having a holiday abroad – fingers crossed!!

What will you do differently in 2022? 
Create a work/life balance that works for the business, me and the family.

Is ‘giving back’ important to you, your business or organisation? 
Yes, definitely. I am a firm believer in givers gain. 

I am involved in the Wednesday Club as a volunteer and trustee. The Wednesday Club is a social club where those with learning difficulties and their carers can come and meet. I’m now busy helping arrange their Christmas Party for mid-December, as well as helping the club work towards becoming a charity, which we hope to achieve early in 2022.

Will you have a nominated charity for 2022? If so, tell us about it and what you plan to do to support that organisation? 
As a new business we are keen to identify the needs in the community and support locally.

If you are planning to recruit in 2022 – share a little of your hopes around the growth of your team. 
We are looking for new companions to take on board, because as our team grows, we can support more people with our services. Our current team is bonding really well, and we want to ensure this camaraderie and happy family atmosphere continues as we grow.

Have you got any special offers or deals you’d like to mention? 
All our services are special! And we offer very competitive rates.

What would be your best piece of advice for anyone in business for 2022? 
I think persevere and work hard. I had a dream to set up Helping Old Friends, and so far, so good. It takes hard work and determination, but this really does pay off. 

And finally:
I’d just like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Roll on 2022 – we can’t wait!

For more information visit www.helpingoldfriends.co.uk