A SALISBURY care home owner has won the award for Company of the Year 2018.

On Sunday, October 18, Colten Care won the prestigious Company of the Year award at the 2018 Solent Business Awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel in The Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

According to judges the company who run Braemar Lodge in Salisbury won the award for the team's "strategic thinking, an outstanding financial track record, a dedication to excellence and a dynamic approach to quality and innovation”.

Mark Aitchison, chief executive of the company, believes this award "is further proof" that Colten Care is in the "vanguard" of the care home industry, adding: “Our residents are the very heart of our business and we make sure they receive the best care and life experiences possible."

Founded more than 30 years ago, Colten Care now provides high-quality services and facilities to more than 1,000 residents, specialising in residential, nursing and dementia care, employee and resident engagement, and creating community links.

There are now 20 of the care homes across Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.

The care home won the top spot against finalists including BOFA International, Churchill Retirement Living, Hoburne and Naturetrek.

Mark added: “Reviews from them [residents] and their families and our regulator show we are the best care home group of our size not only in the Solent but across the UK.”