Ian
Cowley
Managing Director
Ian is from the local area and has been in business since the age of 23. He ran a successful joinery / carpentry business for 25 years before setting up Betamindes in 2005 with his wife Dawne. Ian has a personal interest and experience of looking after family members with different types of dementia and has used this extensive knowledge to create the quality service provided today.
‘On setting up Betamindes we had a very clear picture of the future, “our vision”. Today we are determined to stick to our principles and believe that everyone is entitled to the care package of their choice and Betamindes will be there to support our clients to make the process as seamless as possible’
Dawne
Cowley
Registered Manager
Dawne worked within the NHS as a Registered Mental Nurse from 1985-2006, gaining vast knowledge and experience in the psychiatric arena before moving specifically into Dementia care in the late 1990s.
Dawne set up and managed day care centres in joint ventures with the NHS and Social Services in the West Midlands and South Cheshire area before launching Betamindes in 2005 as a family run business in her local area of Wistaston.
‘We endeavour to ensure that our passion for an excellent quality service is entrenched in our organisational culture. We advocate bringing our passion and understanding to meet each person’s needs’
Alex
Markham
Engagement Officer
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I have lived most of my life in Portugal where I went to school and have worked in Retail and Hospitality sectors in my early years. I have incredible memories living there and still consider Portugal to be my second home.
I came back to the UK to pursue a career path with more opportunities and worked in a Sales role before getting into Recruitment.
I have had over a year of recruitment experience, working in the education sector. I enjoyed my time working in the education sector of recruitment as I helped out special needs schools which was rewarding to give them the help they needed.
I have always enjoyed helping others out with their needs and supporting them in their decisions.
In my spare time I enjoy watching football, reading and I have a big passion for astronomy, either by reading books or listening to podcasts of famous astrophysicists.
I am very close to my family, especially my grandparents and always enjoy being in their company.
Annette McDougall
Operations Manager
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I have worked within the Care industry for over 20 years starting as a care worker for several years working my way up the managerial ladder to a Registered Care Managers role.
My passion for care began at a young age when unfortunately, my late Grandma fell ill with Dementia, and she had to move in with my parents and me. I started to care for her while both my parents went out to work. I soon realised that the passion I had for care would turn out to be a profession.
Throughout my caring profession, I have worked with clients with Challenging Behaviour, Learning Disabilities, Dementia, Mental Health not just within the community but also within a residential setting.
Since becoming a Registered Manager in 2014, I have managed to win the Registered Managers award for the Northwest at the great British Care Awards in 2016. I was honoured to also win the Registered Manager Award 2018 for the West Midlands and for Cheshire East with the Great British Care Awards which was a very proud achievement.
I enjoy Gardening, and spending time with my family. I enjoy travelling and socializing with my friends. I also spend a lot of time with my Parents, we enjoy shopping and eating out together. I take them out at a weekend which keeps them active.
I have a dog called Milo who is only a puppy, so he keeps me on my toes.
Lauren McDougall
Care Administrator
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I have worked within the care sector since leaving school, I started off as a business administrator, in a domiciliary care company, making my way up to be the care coordinator. I have also worked within a dementia care home and a medical oxygen company, so I have a lot of knowledge in different areas of care which will be helpful in my role of Care Administrator. I take pride in my work and like to feel I am making a difference to someone’s life. I came into the care sector as this is something that I am passionate about. A care background is something that is in my family which led me to want to make a career in the care sector.
Outside of my working life, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, I love cooking, nail art and having a laugh with people and try to always look on the bright side of life.