Denise Nicholls is our Business Development Manager, and she’s been with Esland since March 2023. Denise began her career with us as a Registered Manager, where she successfully and consistently raised the standards of one of our residential homes. In her new role, Denise manages the smooth progression of placements between local authorities and our team of registered managers, facilitating seamless transitions for young people.

Hi, my name is Denise Nicholls, and I’m a Business Development Manager. I’ve been at Esland since March 2023.

What is the most rewarding part of my role at Esland?

My journey so far

I joined Esland as a Registered Manager. I loved the role and was proud of the strong relationships I’d built with the team and the young people around me. However, I always had a 5-year career plan in my mind. I knew I didn’t want to be a manager forever, and I was always keeping an eye on future opportunities, ideally in the care sector, where I could continue making a difference.

Fast forward to November 2024, I was casually reading the Esland newsletter when I spotted two vacancies in the Business Development team. I’d had some experience with business development through referral discussions, but I didn’t know much beyond that. So, I did some digging, reached out to a few business development managers, and got a better understanding of the role.

Curious and open to new possibilities, I decided to apply, not expecting too much since I was happy where I was. But lo and behold, the interview went well, and I landed the job! I officially started as a Business Development Manager in March 2025, and I’m absolutely loving this new chapter.

Connections and collaborations

No two days are ever quite the same in my role, but that’s what keeps it exciting! A large part involves reviewing referrals in Gold Vision, working with the home teams, and following up with Local Authorities on expressions of interest and formal offers to ensure placements progress smoothly.

I also support registered managers and local authorities in facilitating seamless transitions for young people. This includes everything from completing paperwork and resolving issues like missing documents, to attending stability and disruption meetings to help maintain placement success.

What I enjoy most about my job is the people, the connections, the collaboration, and the shared commitment to making a difference. I feel incredibly fortunate to work within such a friendly and supportive team. I also really value the relationships I’ve built with our registered managers and local authority partners. Working closely with them enables us to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

A bold move in a new direction

I love all the Esland values, but if I had to pick one that I align with the most, it would be Bold. Moving into Business Development was a bold step. I didn’t have direct experience in that area, but I saw an opportunity to grow and challenge myself in a new direction while still making a difference in the care sector.

I wasn’t afraid to ask questions, learn quickly, and step outside of my comfort zone. Now, I’m part of a fast-paced, strategic team where I continue to bring fresh thinking and confident decision-making to every referral and placement discussion.

This journey has helped me grow in confidence and reminded me that learning is a lifelong process. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what’s still ahead.