A Moray-based care home group has been sold to an English care provider.
Parklands Care Homes, which was founded in Buckie in 1993 by local man Ron Taylor, has been acquired by Essex-headquartered business Myriad Group, owners of Caring Homes. The group run care homes across the UK, including Scotland.
From the single care home in Buckie over three decades ago, the group have expanded under Mr Taylor’s leadership to include homes across the north-east and Highlands.
Alongside the change in ownership, Parklands say they have completed a planned leadership transition.
Elaine Taylor, who until recently served as operations director, will leave the business following many years of service.
Susie Mackenzie, who joined the company in 2023 as finance director, has been appointed as the new managing director and will take on responsibility for day-to-day operations. She brings almost 30 years’ experience across the healthcare, construction, oil and insurance sectors.
Parklands has stated that it will continue to operate as a standalone business, led by its current management team and supported by the wider Myriad Group.
Mr Taylor said: “Parklands has been a huge part of my life.
“For more than 30 years, it has shaped my days, my decisions and, in many ways, my family’s life, too.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I always knew there would come a time when it would be right to step aside. For me, that time has come, and I can do so knowing Parklands is secure and in the right hands.
“At 67, I’m looking forward to spending more time with Elaine and our family, particularly my grandchildren, knowing that Parklands has a bright future ahead.
“What mattered most to me was finding a partner that shared our values and understood what makes Parklands special. Myriad Group shares those values and, through Caring Homes, has a strong track record of delivering high quality, person-centred care. I am confident they are the right owners for Parklands.”
He added: “I am incredibly proud of what we have built over the past 32 years.
“What makes me proudest is the quality of care we provide and the difference our teams make to the lives of residents and their families every day.
“The inspiration for Parklands came from caring for my own grandfather. That experience shaped my belief that older people deserve care that is compassionate, dignified and person-centred. From the very beginning, I wanted Parklands to provide the same level of care and support that I would have wanted for my own family.
“Those values remain at the heart of Parklands today. They can be seen in our people, our culture and the relationships we have built with residents, families and communities over more than 30 years. It has been a privilege to work in social care and to support people at a time in their lives when they need it most.
“We have an outstanding team, working with dedication and commitment, going above and beyond every day across every part of the organisation. It makes me feel immensely proud and humbled by their willingness, energy and loyalty. Coming to work each day for the past 32 years has been a joy.
“I have complete confidence in Susie and her colleagues to lead Parklands forward. They understand our values, our culture and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care. Parklands is in safe hands, and I am excited to see what the future brings.”
Parklands Managing Director Susie Mackenzie commented: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director and to build on the strong foundations Ron has created.
“Like Parklands, Caring Homes is a values-led care provider and a good fit for us.
“I look forward to working with the Myriad board as we begin this new chapter for Parklands. Our priorities remain unchanged: delivering the highest standards of care, supporting our colleagues and ensuring residents and families remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Myriad Group CEO Peter Hill added: “This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Myriad Group.
“Parklands Care Homes is an independent care home provider that, like Caring Homes, has been family-owned for over 30 years and, importantly, shares our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
“The values and culture at Parklands are strongly aligned with our own, with residents, families and colleagues at the heart of everything they do, and this was an essential factor for us. In Parklands, Ron and Elaine Taylor have built a care home group that is not only recognised for its commitment to care quality, but also as a good employer and neighbour.
“It’s a fantastic legacy and a key foundation for the future.”