AFTER over 30 years working in health and social care, we were so thrilled and proud to win the Family Business of the Year award and singled out as the overall Business of the Year winner in last week’s The Press Business Awards.

Much credit for these accolades must go to all our wonderful care workers, past and present, whose daily dedication has helped make our family company what it is.

Greater regulation and better training means domiciliary, or home care, has seen enormous changes in the last 20 years but the fact remains, our wonderful care team who visit and support elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes work mainly in isolation, battling weather conditions, parking restrictions and time constraints.

And, as we all live longer, we are going to need more of these dedicated people in future.

We are fortunate in York enjoying low levels of unemployment, however, it means we face daily pressure to recruit high calibre people.

Even with flexible working and nationally recognised in-house training, we struggle.

We hope these awards highlight what a rewarding job home care can be and the growing need across York and Selby.

Once more, a big thank you to our team and to the judging panel for recognising our passion, commitment and the importance of care.

Gill Conroy, Director, Riccall Care, Escrick Business Park, Escrick, York