Team Member Spotlight: Q&A with Liz Woollett
For over 26 years, Liz has been helping care home operators navigate the often complex journey of securing funding and refinancing.
While many operators are courted directly by lenders, Liz and the team at Chandler & Co go further — comparing options across the market, negotiating terms, and managing the entire process right through to loan completion.
A: I joined Chandler & Co in 1999, in my early 20s. Over the last 25 years, I’ve grown with the business and taken on a variety of roles, from client advisory work through to business leadership. Today, as a Director, I also serve as the company’s Compliance Officer responsible for overseeing compliance systems, regulatory approvals, and internal controls.
A: I enjoy helping clients navigate the entire finance process, from their very first enquiry through to the successful completion of a loan. All client’s circumstances are unique, so guiding them step by step, ensuring they feel supported, and making the process as smooth as possible is very rewarding.
For me, compliance is central to this, giving clients the confidence that their transactions are handled with integrity, while allowing them to focus on achieving their wider business goals.
Q: Can you share some standout projects you’ve worked on?
A: I’ve been fortunate to support a wide range of clients, including:
- Assisting a not-for-profit organisation to design funding models for innovative care home villages.
- Advising on the financial separation of a high-quality care group, ensuring compliance and stability.
- Supporting a leading provider of forensic mental health services with structuring and compliance guidance for their expansion.
Q: What motivates you in your work with clients?
A: I enjoy building long-term relationships. I’m happy to take the time to understand my clients’ aspirations and challenges, so I can help them make decisions that protect their businesses and set them up for future success.
“It’s a privilege to help our clients achieve their goals in ways that are life-changing, not only for them and their families, but also for their staff, service users, and wider communities.”
Q: What personal qualities help you succeed in compliance and leadership?
A: I’d say attention to detail, determination, and a strong sense of integrity. I’m also approachable, which I think is key in this role. My clients need to feel comfortable discussing challenges openly.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Family is very important to me. I’m a mum of two daughters, and we love going on long walks with our mischievous dog, Indie. I also enjoy swimming regularly, which helps me switch off and recharge, along with reading and gardening. I have a more adventurous side too, I love the thrill of a roller coaster (!) and exploring new places when travelling.
Q: What advice would you give to care home operators looking to secure funding or refinance?
A: Care operators often find themselves approached by multiple lenders offering attractive deals, but the reality is that the finance process can be far more complex than it looks at first glance. Every lender has different policy requirements, structures, and conditions and it’s not always easy to know which option will truly suit your business in the long run.
That’s where we come in. At Chandleer & Co, we don’t just connect you to a lender, we guide you through the entire process, from the first enquiry to the day the loan completes, with the added value of helping you find a care home which matches your search criteria. We compare options across the market, negotiate terms, and manage all the moving parts with solicitors, accountants, valuers, and lenders so you can stay focused on running your care business.
“In the end, our role is to make sure you secure the right finance, on the right terms, with the least disruption, giving you peace of mind and a strong platform for growth.”
Q: Do you have a motto or guiding principle?
A: I believe in doing things properly the first time. In compliance and finance, cutting corners can create problems later on so I always encourage clients to see the bigger picture and focus on sustainable success. Personally, I also live by the idea that balance matters: hard work is important, but so is making time for family, fun, and adventure.
Q: What are you most excited about for the future?
A: I’m excited about helping more clients achieve their ambitions with confidence, particularly as the care sector continues to evolve and face new challenges. On a personal level, I look forward to more travel adventures with my family and maybe even braving a few more roller coasters along the way!
Liz Woollett
Director
