Members of the Excelcare Family gathered at the beautiful Braxted Park Estate on Friday 19th June for the annual Shining Star Awards.

The awards celebrate both individual and team achievements across Excelcare and Guildmore, recognising those who have gone above and beyond to deliver outstanding outcomes.

Dressed to match the elegant black and gold 'Great Gatsby' theme, guests gathered in The Pavilion for Excelcare's awards ceremony. Highlights included heartfelt speeches from the Regional Operations Directors, who paid tribute to award winners from their regions, as well as the presentation of this year's Mr Bailey Awards by Excelcare's Chief Operating Officer, Sam Manning.

These prestigious awards recognise people who truly embody Excelcare's values by going above and beyond to ensure residents receive the very best person-centred care. They also celebrate individuals who never settle for 'good', continually striving to improve and learn, even when delivering outstanding care. Each of this year's winners exemplifies these qualities.

Director of Care, Quality and Governance, Wendy Cowell, received the coveted Mr Bailey Award in recognition of her dedication, commitment and the significant positive changes she has implemented since joining the company in 2021.

"Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the way we deliver quality care across Excelcare. Through her leadership, expertise and determination, she has helped strengthen governance, raise standards, and support our homes to achieve excellence," said Sam Manning. "For many managers, she has been a source of reassurance during difficult moments—a calm voice when challenges arise. She helps people find solutions, build confidence and believe in their own abilities."

This year, Sam also presented two additional Mr Bailey Awards to care homes that have achieved exceptional success and delivered outstanding outcomes for residents. Hunters Down Care Home, led by Anca Markley, and Longfield Care Home, managed by Gina Copsey, received the awards in recognition of their remarkable achievements over the past year.

Following the ceremony, guests were invited onto the lawns of Braxted Park for the Retro Rewind Festival, where each decade from the 1920s through to the 2000s was brought to life with themed décor, food stalls and entertainment. The festival gave colleagues the opportunity to congratulate award winners, celebrate together and enjoy an afternoon of nostalgic fun in the sunshine.

The event would not have been possible without the support of Excelcare CEO Osman 'Ozzie' Ertosun and Chief Operating Officer Sam Manning. Thanks to the generous backing of Excelcare's valued suppliers and partners, more than £6,000 was raised for the Excelcare Foundation, the company's registered charity dedicated to supporting members of the Excelcare Family during life-changing circumstances.

"Celebrating our Shining Star Awards is always a privilege. Without the incredible commitment and dedication of our team members, Excelcare would not be the award-winning provider we are today. These awards give me the opportunity to see how individual efforts make such a significant difference to the lives of those we care for, and it fills me with pride to call all of our deserving winners members of the Excelcare Family," said Excelcare CEO Ozzie Ertosun.

The Shining Star Awards once again provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise outstanding colleagues, celebrate their achievements and honour the incredible difference they make every day.