A business opportunity too good to be missed

Nov 11 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

NORTH East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped a young entrepreneur make his first move into the care sector with the acquisition of a Gateshead care home.

Humayun Saleem, 24, has purchased the Beechwood Hall Care Home in Lobley Hill, securing 16 jobs. The home provides specialist residential care for up to 18 residents with dementia.

Based in Hartlepool, Humayun has recently moved to the North East from Scotland where he has a number of business interests. In addition to 25 private rental properties north of the border, he has also owned two post offices and a couple of shops.

Mr Saleem engaged Gordon Brown Associates to provide professional services for the acquisition. Founded in 1981, the firm now has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Newcastle, Sunderland and Houghton-le-Spring, as well as estate agencies in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Low Fell, Gateshead.

Mr Saleem said: “I have wanted to establish myself in the care sector for some time and when the opportunity to purchase Beechwood Hall came up I knew it was a good opportunity. I had been planning to move to the North East and this acquisition was the perfect motivation.

“Gordon Brown Associates’ local knowledge was invaluable to completing this deal along with their experience of the care sector. Their support made the acquisition as smooth as possible.”

Jamie McEwen, senior solicitor at Gordon Brown Associates’ commercial property team, said: “Humayun demonstrates fantastic entrepreneurial spirit and his business exploits so far are very impressive.