A case management company has changed hands through a management buy-out (MBO). AKA Case Management has been sold by founder Angela Kerr to new directors Dawn Abernethy and Andrew Rose.
Dawn and Andrew have both been part of the senior leadership team at the Nottingham-based case management company for a number of years and will now oversee the continuing growth and development of the business.
The sale marks the culmination of a five-year project by Angela to reshape the business she founded in 2002, and has become known for its commitment to securing clients the best outcomes through access to community-based rehabilitation and care services.
In 2016, Angela became chair of the British Association of Brain and Complex Case Management (BABICM), which prompted her to begin reshaping AKA and identifying the right people to take it forward.
Since then, Dawn – previously finance manager – and operations manager Andrew have gradually assumed more responsibility, enabling the restructuring project to be completed.
Andrew Rose
Angela will remain with AKA as a consultant, while also overseeing the continuing development of the newly-established Institute of Registered Case Managers (IRCM), of which she is Chair.
“For the past five years I have been working towards a situation where I could step back from AKA safe in the knowledge that it was in the hands of leaders who would maintain its excellent client-focused services and the warm family feel for which it is known,” says Angela.
“I have been taking more of a back seat for a while. This, coupled with managing the challenges of the pandemic over the past 12 months, have been an excellent test of the new leadership structure. I am confident that I can step further back to give Dawn and Andrew full responsibility and ownership.
“As operations manager, Andrew has handled and refined our day-to-day work, ensuring that people disabled by traumatic injuries can maximise their potential and live a fulfilling life again.
Dawn Abernethy
“As finance manager, Dawn has shown a sure and considered approach to all financial matters.
“Coupled with their knowledge, understanding and passion for our mission at AKA, this makes them the natural choice to form a partnership and lead AKA into the future together.”
Dawn, who joined AKA in 2015, and will also become the new registered manager, says: “Andrew and I will continue to work collaboratively, as we have done for the past year. It is an honour and a privilege to know that Angela trusts us to ensure that AKA continues on its journey of going from strength to strength.”
Andrew, also treasurer and a director of BABICM, adds: “When Angela presented me with the opportunity to join AKA in 2017, I found a place and people with the same passions and values that I have.
“Dawn and I want to make sure that AKA continues to deliver those same values for years to come. We want to ensure that it remains an amazing and supportive place and cares equally for our clients and everyone that works for and with us.”
