DESPITE the recession, one area of business which is still holding up very well is the care market, according to Ian Moralee, MD of business sales specialist Moralee & Co.

“The care industry is still buoyant despite the current economic climate,” he said.

“One reason for this is that the main commercial lenders still see the industry as having a very good long-term future.

“The UK’s demographic shows an increasingly elderly population, with people living longer.” Moralee & Co has recently sold The Gardens Care Home, in Darlington, on behalf of Pauline Porter and Barbara Whitehead, who had owned the business for over 20 years.

Mr Moralee said: “Pauline and Barbara have been clients of mine since I sold a care home for them in Darlington that allowed them to purchase The Gardens.

“It is satisfying that after all these years we should be still acting on their behalf.

“The Gardens, which is an excellent, purpose-built care home, registered for 44 residents, attained the highest levels of care, a fact that has been reflected in the excellent grades and inspection reports the home has been awarded.”

Pauline Porter said: “We were very happy with how this sale was handled.

“The confidentiality was maintained throughout and the sale proceeded smoothly.”

If you would like further details about buying or selling a care home, contact Ian Moralee on 01661 821200 or 07801 641 206.