How I Launched The Fastest Growing Specialist Care Start-Up

This episode of the Care CEO Success Stories podcast features Johann van Zyl, CEO of Cornerstone Healthcare, the UK’s fastest growing specialist care start-up.

Johann’s passion for healthcare and deep love for working with and leading people led Johann to discovering his calling in the sector.

Cornerstone Healthcare operates three specialist nursing homes in the south of England, with two more due to open in the south west in early 2024.

Under Johann's leadership, the company has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Health Investor ‘Complex Care Provider of the Year’ in 2020 and 2021 and ‘Specialist Care Provider of the Year in 2023’, and has become a leading operator in the specialist care sector.

Despite much of the company’s operation being during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cornerstone Healthcare is the UK’s fastest growing specialist care start-up, having increased turnover by 91.6% from £12m in 2018 to £23m in 2023.

In this episode Johann examines his approach to business, his particular perspective, the importance of staff retention, creating an environment where employees feel safe and supported as well as offering hybrid hospitals to bridge the gap between hospitals and care homes including:

•      How Johann started in mining exploration, but found his passion in healthcare

•      The secrets behind launching a fast-growth specialist care provider.

•      The importance of having a well-formulated idea, a strong business partner and an investor or equity backing.

•      Why ensuring staff feel safe and supported is key to retention, alongside comprehensive  training and aiming to be one of the top employers.

•      How Cornerstone Healthcare prioritises the well-being of its staff, maintaining a low staff turnover rate, and a high level of staff satisfaction.

•      How success is attributed to a unique focus on providing specialised care for people with challenging behaviours associated with progressive neurological conditions and mental health issues.

•      Plans to achieve significant growth through a combination of mergers and acquisitions, purchasing existing facilities, and developing new purpose-built homes.

•      How ensuring competitive pay rates has contributed to the company's success in retaining high-quality staff.

•      The impact of a niche focus on their substantial growth, maintaining an impressive occupancy rate and ensuring a strong presence in the sector.

•      How Johann’s dedication to the well-being of both the residents and the staff has been a driving force behind the company's rapid growth and success.