A home care provider has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) just four and a half years after opening. Visiting Angels Manchester East, owned by Roxie Taj and Dr Badar Usmani, received the top rating from the health and social care regulator for its leadership, culture, governance, safeguarding, staff development and person-centred approach to care.

During the inspection, particular recognition was given to the way the service supports people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds, ensuring care is tailored to each individual's needs, preferences and wishes.

The inspector told the team that if she needed to find a care agency for her own mum and dad, Visiting Angels Manchester East would be the provider she would choose. She added: "I wish I could bottle this and share it with other care providers."

Roxie Taj said: "Outstanding wasn't our destination; it was the promise we made to every family from the day we opened our doors."

She said the business had been warned that maintaining personal touches and relationships would become harder as it grew. "We were determined to prove that a care service could grow without losing its heart. Four and a half years later, to have that recognised by CQC means more to us than I can put into words."

Roxie described the achievement as deeply personal, saying she did not come from an academic background. "I simply had a vision of the standard of care I wanted us to provide, and I refused to compromise on it."

She paid tribute to her husband and Registered Manager, Dr Badar Usmani, who she said had believed in the vision from day one and supported her through every challenge, setback and late night. She also gave special recognition to Care Manager Jodie, whose leadership and contribution were highlighted throughout the inspection.

"Jodie is much more than our Care Manager; she's part of our family," Roxie said. "Her compassion, professionalism and commitment to our clients and Angels are a huge part of the culture that CQC has recognised."

Roxie said the rating belonged to the entire team, including the care workers who carry the provider's values into clients' homes every day, and to the clients and families who placed their trust in the service.

"Every conversation, every reassuring hand, every act of kindness and every time somebody goes the extra mile has contributed to this achievement."

Visiting Angels Manchester East provides home care services helping older people to live safely, independently and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.