THE largest independent homecare provider in York has been bought in a six-figure deal.

York Helpers, of Clifton Business Park, which has more than 100 carers and administrative staff, has been bought by Springfield Homecare, of Garforth, Leeds, part of Springfield Healthcare Group, in its second major acquisition in three months.

York Helpers, which was founded in 1984, cares for more than 200 people, from both the public and private sectors, in their own homes, mainly in York and a 20-mile radius.

The business also provides 24-hour care, where clients have a resident trained carer living alongside them in their own homes, to a growing number of elderly or disabled people through Yorkshire and Humber.

Denise Wells, who negotiated the deal, has been with York Helpers for 13 years, and became managing director in 1999. She has developed the company's geographic spread, increased its staff, enhanced its range of services and doubled its turnover to £750,000.

She is to remain with Springfield Homecare to help expand the business, which will retain the York Helpers name, and integrate it with Springfield Homecare Group.

Noel Baden-Thomas, Springfield Homecare's chief executive, said: "We are excited by this second major acquisition in a matter of months.

"We are well on course to grow Springfield Homecare, through acquisition and organically, to create the leading independent homecare company in Yorkshire and Humber.

"This acquisition was highly attractive because York is an important city, serving a broad area, and a key location in our strategy. York Helpers is very well managed with excellent, committed staff and a first-rate local reputation.

"I am delighted Denise Wells will remain responsible for the day-to-day running of York Helpers for the foreseeable future, so we can benefit from her existing business relationships, local knowledge and expertise as we develop the business in competition with national homecare providers in York and North Yorkshire."

Homecare for elderly people and disabled people under 65 is the fastest-growing sector of the care market, as many people used to their independence choose to be looked after in their own surroundings rather than in residential care homes.

Ms Wells said: "I have enjoyed developing the business and expanding our team, but it now needs Springfield Homecare's larger resources, including high level training, to take us to the next stage and compete with the national businesses which operate in York and North Yorkshire.

"I have always enjogyed an excellent relationship with City of York Council from senior managers to grassroots staff, and I am sure that this will continue. The plans which Springfield Homecare has for supporting our staff will result in even better care for our clients."

In October, Springfield Homecare acquired Hull's leading independent homecare provider, Baylea Homecare, which has 70 staff.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, January 10, 2006