Portland-based Agincare, one of the country’s leading independent care providers, has completed a landmark acquisition of the majority of business assets and services operated by national charity Ambient Support, and the transfer of its subsidiary housing provider, Amber Housing Ltd.
This major development safeguards vital care and support for around 700 people, preserves over 800 jobs, and ensures the continued operation of around 80 homes and services across the country.
The acquisition marks significant growth for Agincare, bringing its total number of locations to over 170 nationwide, supported by a workforce of more than 5,500 people.
The latest development is set to be followed in coming months by further growth in Devon and Gloucestershire, bringing job creation and expansion for Agincare’s support services headquarters in Portland.
It reinforces family-owned Agincare’s position as a nationally trusted provider of high-quality, person-centred care, built from a single care home in Weymouth by its Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst in 1986.
Agincare Chief Executive Raina Summerson said:
“We are proud and privileged to welcome the teams, and those who draw on care and support services, into the Agincare family. We have successfully managed many transfers of care and support from charities, local authorities, and other providers, always with the focus on stability and continuity of care.
“We are proud to have once again safeguarded vital services and jobs, and look forward to welcoming the transferring workforce, with all of their skills and experience, and reinvigorating services as part of our ongoing sustainable growth strategy.”
Agincare has grown into a national success story over the last 40 years, built on entrepreneurial spirit, strong family values, and financial resilience.
As a family-owned company with proven sustainability, no current debt and no exit strategy, Agincare offers long-term confidence to those who draw on its services, their families, its workforce and its many partner organisations.
Most Ambient services will be delivered through Agincare Enable, a specialist care and support provider for people over the age of 18 years living with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. However, the group also welcomes two extra care schemes into its portfolio, providing care to older people in Gloucestershire and Suffolk.
Agincare had recently taken over the long-term leases and contracts for four care homes and three extra care schemes in Buckinghamshire due to Ambient’s early exit from these.
Amber Housing will continue to operate as a standalone not-for-profit organisation within the Agincare group structure, broadening the care provider’s capacity for housing management and responsive joined up, care and support.
To learn more about Agincare visit www.agincare.com/about-us and supported living visit www.agincare.com/support-for-younger-adults
Agincare operated Elizabeth Court Supported Living development in Dorchester
From left Simon Derek Adam and Piers Luckhurst at the Agincare Heroes Awards 2025