THE owner and operator of a care home in Salisbury has seen off the challenge of competitors from across the country to scoop a prestigious National Care Award.

Colten Care, which runs Braemar Lodge in Salisbury, was one of 11 finalists in the category of Care Home Group (medium), for groups with between 20 and 40 homes.

The National Care Awards 2025 ceremony and dinner took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Sue Perkins.

Judges praised the family-owned provider for its “one team” ethos, professional nursing credentials and commitment to creating “personalised experiences tailored to each resident’s needs and preferences”.

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The award submission explained how all Colten homes are purpose-built by sister company Colten Developments, promote ‘refined living’ through elegant interiors and inspiring gardens, and strive to ensure residents ‘feel at home and connected’.

Colleagues celebrating the award at the National Care Awards in London Picture: Colten Care

Colten Care chief executive Mark Aitchison said: “The award win is truly an amazing achievement, testimony to the dedicated, passionate, caring people we have throughout Colten.

“This success demonstrates independent recognition of our culture of consistent clinical excellence, with seven homes rated Outstanding by the CQC and the remainder Good, and the thousands of reviews on Carehome.co.uk that inform our remarkable group rating of 9.9 out of ten.”

Paying tribute to company founders John Colwell and Adrian Otten, Mark added: “It was their vision to define Colten as the best that has enabled us to make this award win possible, best in Britain for our size.”

Elaine Farrer, chief operating officer, said: “It was moment of immense pride to hear our name read out as the winner on the night.

“All of us are profoundly heartened to receive this further endorsement of our ‘All About Me’ care philosophy that focuses on what residents can do, not only what they need support with. This empowers choice, nurtures independence and enables purposeful lives.”

As well as the group-wide win, four Colten Care colleagues were finalists in separate individual categories. They included Jackie Cash, Home Manager at Braemar Lodge, for the Home Manager of the Year award.