The care franchising sector experienced notable change during 2025. Rising demand for home care, increased scrutiny from regulators and growing interest from investors all combined to make the year a defining one for the care industry.
For those already operating within care franchising, or considering entering the sector, reviewing the past year offers valuable context. Understanding what shaped care franchising in 2025 helps highlight where the sector is heading and what future franchise owners should prepare for.
Growth remained a central theme throughout 2025, with many care franchise networks expanding into new territories and strengthening their regional presence. Demand for franchise opportunities continued to rise as individuals sought businesses with social purpose and long-term stability.
Across the sector, enquiry levels increased steadily, driven by growing awareness of home care services and the benefits of franchised models. Established brands benefited from stronger recognition, while structured onboarding programmes helped new franchisees launch with greater confidence.
Within Apollo Care Franchising, 2025 saw the successful onboarding of a new franchise team in Huddersfield. This addition reflected a careful approach to expansion, with a focus on values-led ownership and sustainable local growth rather than rapid scale.
Regulatory oversight remained a significant factor for care franchise owners in 2025. Updates to Care Quality Commission expectations placed continued emphasis on leadership, governance and quality monitoring.
For franchise businesses, keeping pace with compliance requirements required time, preparation and ongoing support. Changes in inspection focus and reporting standards meant that franchise owners needed clear guidance on policies, procedures and evidence of safe care delivery.
Many franchisors responded by strengthening their compliance support frameworks. Access to updated policies, specialist advice and regular communication helped franchisees stay aligned with regulatory expectations while continuing to grow their services.
Technology played an increasingly visible role in care franchising throughout 2025. Digital care management systems became more widely adopted, helping franchisees manage scheduling, record keeping and compliance reporting more efficiently.
Improved platforms also supported clearer communication between franchisors and franchise owners. Shared systems enabled better oversight, consistency across locations and quicker responses to operational challenges.
Apollo Care continued to build on its digital approach during the year, with plans announced for an enhanced Tech Pack in 2026, designed to not only support care teams themselves but also the clients. The focus moved beyond safety alone, exploring how technology can support confidence, connection and day-to-day engagement for people receiving care at home.
Demand for home care services continued to rise throughout 2025, influenced by an ageing population and ongoing pressure across health and social care systems. Many individuals and families showed a clear preference for care delivered at home rather than residential settings.
Community-based care models became increasingly important, allowing people to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised support. Franchise networks adapted by expanding service offerings and developing specialist care options to meet changing needs.
The launch of live-in care services across several networks reflected this shift. At Apollo Care, the introduction of round-the-clock live-in care created new opportunities for franchise owners while enabling clients with higher support needs to remain at home.
Care franchising maintained its reputation as a resilient sector during 2025. Investor interest remained strong, supported by consistent demand and the essential nature of care services.
An increase in multi-unit ownership and reinvestment signalled confidence in franchised care models. Structured systems, ongoing support and established brands continued to attract individuals seeking a balance between commercial opportunity and meaningful work.
Apollo Care recorded its highest network-wide turnover to date during 2025, reflecting both financial stability and growing trust among clients choosing home care services.
Despite positive growth, care franchise owners faced ongoing challenges during the year. Recruitment and retention remained difficult across the sector, with rising staffing costs adding pressure to operational budgets.
Balancing regulatory compliance with business development required careful planning. Franchise owners needed support that addressed both care quality and commercial sustainability.
Franchisors played a key role in helping owners navigate these challenges. Access to specialist advisors, shared learning and peer collaboration helped franchisees respond to sector pressures without feeling isolated.
Success across care franchising in 2025 was often driven by strong leadership and team development. Many franchisees achieved recognition through inspection outcomes, community impact and internal awards.
Apollo Care’s inclusion as a finalist in the Workbuzz 2025 awards for franchisee satisfaction highlighted the importance of support, communication and leadership within franchise networks. The introduction of the Franchise Advisory Council further strengthened collaboration, ensuring franchisee insight shaped future initiatives.
The trends seen throughout 2025 continue to influence care franchising strategies moving forward. Demand for home care shows no sign of slowing, while expectations around compliance, leadership and service quality remain high.
Technology, workforce development and franchise support structures are set to play an even greater role in future growth. For prospective franchise owners, the year reinforced the value of joining established networks with proven systems and clear guidance.
Care franchising enters the next phase with cautious confidence, shaped by lessons learned during a year of sustained demand and sector-wide change.
Looking back, 2025 marked an important period for care franchising in the UK, shaped by growing demand for home care, tighter regulation and continued confidence in the franchise model. For those considering entering the sector, the year highlighted the value of preparation, the right support structures and a clear understanding of what ownership involves.
If you are considering care franchising and would like to explore what ownership could look like in practice, Apollo Care offers several ways to learn more. You can speak directly with the team, request further information or take part in a Discovery Day to see whether the model and support structure feel right for you.
