14 Years On: Meallmore CEO, Cillian Hennessey

Reflecting on 14 years at Meallmore, Cillian Hennessey, Group CEO, characterises his journey as shaped by unwavering dedication, substantial growth, and an unyielding commitment to excellence for our Meallmore colleagues and residents. In a recent sit-down interview, Cillian shared profound insights into his experiences, the fundamental values that steer Meallmore, and the company's future trajectory.

A Legacy of Care and Commitment

Meallmore is a family-owned and operated business established in 1987 by Gerry and Aidan Hennessey. Commencing with Meallmore Lodge in Inverness, the company has expanded to manage 26 care homes across Scotland. Amidst this expansion, Meallmore has maintained its foundational principles of delivering exceptional care and cultivating a supportive environment for residents and our colleagues.

Cillian Hennessey, assuming the CEO role in 2023, reflects on his 14-year journey with immense pride. "I've had the privilege of witnessing the direct impact we've made in enhancing living conditions for our residents," he asserts. It's incredibly gratifying to witness the professional growth and advancement of our team members."

Building a Strong Team

Cillian underscores the indispensable role of a robust team in realising Meallmore's objectives. "Our triumphs stem from the resolve and industriousness of our colleagues," he affirms. Observing their development and success constitutes one of the most rewarding aspects of my role." He attributes Meallmore's standing as one of Scotland's most trusted care providers to the team's collective achievements.

Values-Driven Leadership

At the core of Meallmore's operations lie its values, which permeate every decision undertaken by the business. "Our values form the bedrock of every action we take," Cillian elucidates. They are embraced by all our employees, extending beyond the family. My responsibility is to ensure that these values continue to steer our culture, decision-making, and strategic course."

This steadfast allegiance to values has been pivotal to Meallmore's triumph. The company endeavours to foster an exceptional living and working environment, a philosophy that resonates through its operations and the contentment of its residents and colleagues.

Innovations and Initiatives

Responding to feedback from a recent survey, Meallmore is initiating colleague forums to bolster knowledge sharing, communication, and employee well-being. "These forums represent a groundbreaking development," Cillian states. "They aim to enhance outcomes for our team and residents by nurturing improved communication and collaboration."

These forums constitute a comprehensive strategy to maintain Meallmore's leadership in the care sector through innovation. "We are perpetually seeking avenues for enhancement," Cillian asserts. "We aim to cultivate innovative ideas at the colleague level that will elevate the care we deliver."

Overcoming Challenges

In recent years, the care sector has grappled with substantial challenges, particularly in light of the pandemic. In response, Meallmore conducted an extensive, domestically and internationally recruitment campaign to fortify its workforce. "This was imperative to improve the experiences of residents and colleagues," notes Cillian. "We addressed human resources challenges to create a better workplace and enhance retention strategies."

Cillian is focused on surmounting present and future challenges to position the business favourably for future years. "Our response to these challenges has yielded positive outcomes daily," he adds.

Vision for the Future

Cillian's foremost objective is upholding Meallmore's status as Scotland's most trusted care provider. "We aspire to ensure that Meallmore is a superlative environment for residents and colleagues," he asserts. The roadmap encompasses expanding the business in key markets, constructing additional care homes, and spearheading the sector through innovation. "The right teams and colleagues across the country will play a pivotal role in realising these strategic objectives," he emphasises.

Personal Reflections

Cillian's leadership also draws inspiration from his robust family network and expansive circle of friends. "Allocating time to be with family and friends offers motivation and a sense of balance," he shares. "It constitutes my primary source of enjoyment beyond work."

He values collaboration and gleaning from the diverse experiences of those around him. "A resolute vision and a comprehensive understanding of the sector are indispensable for effective leadership," Cillian explicates. "Engaging team members in the journey and ensuring their commitment to the vision while upholding accountability for outcomes are paramount."

Gratitude and Future Aspirations

Cillian attributes Meallmore's triumph to the collective efforts of past and present colleagues, stakeholders, suppliers, residents, and their families. "I appreciate their contributions in fostering a remarkable culture and company," he emphasises. "I look forward to future triumphs and further enriching our legacy."

As Meallmore forges ahead, the company's pledge to deliver exceptional personalised care in a secure and superior environment remains steadfast. With Cillian Hennessey at the helm, Meallmore is poised to continue setting the pace in the care sector in Scotland.

This interview with Cillian offers insight into the values, challenges, and aspirations propelling Meallmore whilst being reminded of the significance of dedication, innovation, and a stalwart team in achieving excellence in care.