Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Operations pair taken on to help fulfil assisted living firm's expansion dreams

Operations pair taken on to help fulfil assisted living firm's expansion dreams

Two ‘new starters’ at an assisted living firm say they can’t wait to help the company realise its dreams of expansion.

Helen Griffiths has joined Derby-based social care company Locally We Do as operations co-ordinator, while Jo Sharpe has taken up the role of operations assistant with the firm.

The thriving company, launched by husband-and-wife team Damian Doras and Helena Diarno five years ago, helps vulnerable people, such as the elderly and disabled, to live independently for as long as possible.

It provides everything from help with shopping and handyman services, to cleaning and befriending, and has continued to meet the demand throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Helen and Jo will oversee the company’s expansion plans, which include a franchise network that could create up to 200 jobs across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Helen, of Ripley, heard about the role through a friend who knew about the ever-growing business, and has enjoyed her first few weeks in-post.

She said: 

"What attracted me to the job was the care in the community aspect, and the variety of work involved.”

Helen had previously been an executive support manager, working in human resources and facilities, but had been made redundant just before the pandemic broke out.

Since starting her new role, she has been learning new systems, working on employment contracts and setting up back-office systems.

There is a real sense of momentum building up at Locally We Do, which moved into new offices in Marble Hall in Osmaston, Derby, in August - a base that is three times the size of its previous home and aims to accommodate more staff.

“I’m really looking forward to all of this coming to fruition - seeing it grow and the ideas that Damian and Helena have for the business be realised,” said Helen.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing more people being helped out in their communities.”

For Jo, who lives in Chaddesden, Derby, the move was a return to her business admin roots, as she had previously worked in a coffee shop and before that she spent seven years in administration.

Jo, a mum to two young children who was looking for a flexible role, said: “Because I was aware of Damian and Helena when they first started the business, I liked the idea of coming on board to fulfil their dreams.

“I also fell in love with the whole idea of helping people.”

She has been introduced to clients and has been working on invoices, business insurance aspects and sourcing equipment for the growing team.

Damian Doras welcomed Helen and Jo to the team, which is now nine-strong.

He said:

“We are delighted to be able to take on Helen and Jo as valued members of the Locally We Do team.

“Their knowledge and expertise will help vastly with our expansion plans, which includes setting up nine franchises across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

“Their drive and ambition are perfect for helping us to be able to support more elderly and vulnerable people who need help the most.”

To find out more, visit www.locallywedo.co.uk http://www.locallywedo.co.uk

Picture: Jo Sharpe


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