Chesterfield-based healthcare provider Heathcotes Group has agreed a £20 million expansion plan that will double the size of its business, which specialises in providing care homes for adults with learning disabilities.

The deal, which combines finance from a leading high street bank together with debt funding and working capital, has been agreed on behalf of the group by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

With more than 30 care homes and around 800 full-time staff, Heathcotes already has a strong presence in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, but is now targeting cities such as Manchester and Birmingham for further growth. The group plans to add a further eight care homes to its expanding portfolio in 2015, with more scheduled in 2016 and 2017.

Tony Hornsby, partner at Mitchells who led the team that was heavily involved in the refinance process between the Heathcotes Group and Yorkshire Bank, said: “Heathcotes has been a client of Mitchells since its incorporation and we have worked together since the acquisition of the first home in 2003. We have a fantastic relationship with the group and their rapid growth since incorporation is testament to their commitment to excellence in care and professionalism.”