Extra Help was originally set up in 2010 to respond to the needs of home help for elderly people who were still living independently and needed a helping hand.
Claire Robinson, Managing Director, recognised that many elderly people didn’t necessarily need a full-time or live-in carer, but having help with domestic tasks could significantly prolong the time that they were able to stay in their own homes.
And sometimes, it’s just about providing company; a friendly smile and a small chat which could mean the world to someone who lives alone.
Since launching, Extra Help has expanded its range of services to include parents’ help and domestic cleaning services. This enables the team to provide ad-hoc or regular assistance to new and working parents, working professionals and just about anyone who needs them.
Claire says: “I’m constantly looking for new challenges, and Extra Help came at just the right time for me. I had made the decision to change my life and move to the South West – everything fell into place at the right time.
“I believe my passion lies in enabling others to be successful. My ultimate goal is to open Extra Help franchises across the country, thereby providing domestic services to everyone who needs them, wherever they may be.”
Why did you join the Chamber?
Thanks to her incredible dedication and achievements since setting up Extra Help Ltd, Claire Robinson is a local regional and national British Chambers of Commerce Award winner.
She explains: “I’ve been a member of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber for quite a long time. In 2021, I applied for the ‘Game Changer’ accolade, for the Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the local Chamber Awards.
“I was lucky enough to be shortlisted and went on to win the award. It was an honour to win and receive recognition for working hard in business.”
“We’ve been through recessions, and Covid of course, and we’ve survived, so it was really important to be recognised for that”
What has the Chamber done for your business?
Claire says: “I set Extra Help Ltd up about 13 years ago and it was a struggle. We’ve been through recessions, and Covid of course, and we’ve survived, so it was really important to be recognised for that.
“After winning the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Award, we were subsequently nominated in the South West regional awards where I luckily went on to win again. And from there, we went on to the national awards, which I also ended up winning.
“I think that all businesses should apply to be involved in these awards – you never know how far it’s going to take you. I never dreamed that I would win the national award. That was just so exciting.
“Get that application out there – you’ve got nothing to lose. You don’t know who you’re going to be up against or where it’s going to lead. It’s great publicity for your business as well, so just do it!”
