A new player enters the bustling telecare market as the TEC rush continues
A Hampshire-based property management company has entered the telecare space with a new venture – Careline Support Ltd.
Established as an independent subsidiary of Millstream Management Services (MMS), the business provides direct 24/7 emergency call service to over 6,000 apartment owners at retirement developments across the country.
Operating nationwide from its new call centre, Careline Support’s call handlers will aim to provide advice, assistance and peace of mind at the touch of a button, enabling customers to enjoy an independent lifestyle for longer.
According to MMS, the new venture has already created 10 new jobs and expects more to come as it seeks to fulfil its ambitious growth plans in the technology-enabled care space.
MMS Managing Director Dean Marlow, who oversaw the creation of Careline Support, said: “After many months of hard work and preparation, I’m delighted to see our new dedicated Careline Support service get up and running by taking its first calls from customers.
“This new independent service will improve peace of mind for our customers, directly delivering the support and advice they need to continue enjoying an independent lifestyle in their retirement. In these difficult times we’re also proud to be bringing new jobs and investment to Ringwood and the surrounding area.”
The company took its first call on 1 September and expects to be handling up to 250,000 calls a year by 2025.
The launch of Careline Support comes as the technology-enabled care sector continues to see a flurry of activity.
Throughout the past 12 months, the sector has seen various M&As completed and partnerships formed, including the launch of Medequip Connect last September, Doro’s acquisition of Centra Pulse & Connect in October, Appello’s acquisition of Medvivo’s Careline business in December, Tunstall’s and AXA PPP Taking Care’s partnership in January, as well as SECOM partnership with Chiptech to launch a TEC service in July.
Most recently, Doro acquired Lancashire-based Eldercare – one of the top five TEC services in the UK – last month.
The activity comes as various players seek to gain market share in the UK’s telecare market, which is the largest in Europe with an estimated 1.8 million telecare connections – 95 per cent of which are based on analogue connections.
Importantly, by 2025, analogue telephone services will be switched off as the UK’s telecoms infrastructure is upgraded to digital connectivity, leading many companies to position themselves to ensure they can best capitalise on the digital shift.
