About Boot & Co.
Real People, Real Company
We believe older people deserve
genuine companionship and support
from people they would be happy to call friends.
The Story Behind Boot & Co.
In 2025, Gareth Boot and Sue Cowlishaw founded Boot & Co. after experiencing
working in care supporting older people and, witnessing the same issues
repeatedly.
30-minute calls. Rushed visits. Different staff every week. Care workers who
were kind enough, but couldn't connect meaningfully with the people they visited.
It wasn't anyone's fault. It's how the system works.
But we knew there was a better way.
We know from experience that older people thrive with continuity, routine and familiarity.
They don't need someone rushing through a checklist. They need genuine
companionship from someone who understands their world, shares their values,
and has the life experience to hold a real conversation.
Boot & Co. was founded to provide exactly that.
WHO WE ARE
GARETH BOOT
Gareth has 25 years of experience in business and personal development
and prides himself on creating teams that deliver excellent customer care
and services that improve the quality of peoples lives.
After seeing how isolated elderly people felt with rotating agency staff,
Gareth knew consistency was the missing piece. Boot & Co. exists to provide
exactly that, someone your parent would actually choose as a friend.
SUE COWLISHAW
Sue brings a mixed bag of experience in mainly health and wellness.
From a Yoga teacher to nutritionist she has spent the last 5 years working with
older people, focusing on quality of life and longevity
Sue understands that older people don't need "carers"- they need connection, stimulation
and purpose. Someone to share their days and experiences with, have a proper
conversation, and be treated with genuine warmth and respect.
On a personal note she loves nothing more than hiking up some big hills in adverse weather.
Why Boot & Co. Is Different
WE'RE NOT AN AGENCY
No rotating staff. No strangers showing up at the door. When we match you
with a companion, that's your companion—someone carefully selected to meet
our exacting standards.
WE'RE A FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
Boot & Co. is our reputation. Our names are on the door. We only work with
people we'd trust with our own parents—because it's personal.
WE VALUE LIFE EXPERIENCE
Our companions are mature adults who can relate to the world our clients have
lived in. They can hold meaningful conversations, share similar values, and
genuinely connect. Not just young people doing a job between other commitments.
WE TAKE TIME
30-minute calls don't build relationships. Our visits are 2+ hours—time for
proper conversation, shared activities, genuine connection. No rushing, no
clock-watching.
WE LOOK THE PART
We dress professionally—smart casual, not uniforms. We're punctual, respectful,
and treat every visit like visiting a friend. Because that's exactly what it
should feel like.
WE BUILD REAL RELATIONSHIPS
Weekly visits aren't about ticking boxes. They're about genuine conversation,
shared moments, and actually caring about the person we're visiting. Consistency
builds trust. Trust builds friendship.
WE'RE SELECTIVE ABOUT GROWTH
As Boot & Co. grows, we'll only bring in companions who meet our standard:
mature, experienced people we'd trust with our own families. Quality over
quantity, always.
The Boot & Co. Standard
Every visit follows the same principles:
PUNCTUAL
We arrive on time. We don't keep elderly people waiting or wondering
where we are.
PRESENT
We're not on our phones. We're not rushed. We're there to spend quality
time, have proper conversations, and actually be present.
PROFESSIONAL
Smart casual dress. Clean, well-groomed, respectful. We look like someone
your parent would choose to spend time with.
PERSONAL
We remember what matters to the people we visit. Their routines, their
preferences, their stories. Because we're building a relationship, not
completing a task.
Who We Work With
Boot & Co. serves older people across West Yorkshire who value quality,
consistent companionship—whether booking for themselves or with family
arranging support.
We work best with:
✓ Those living independently who'd benefit from regular companionship
✓ People who want to stay active, engaged, and connected to their community
✓ Those who've tried agency care and been disappointed by rotating staff
✓ People seeking someone they can genuinely relate to and connect with
✓ Families wanting consistent, quality companionship for their parents
Whether you're concerned about isolation, want support to maintain independence,
or simply want someone enjoyable to spend time with—we can help.
We serve Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, and surrounding
areas in West Yorkshire.
Ready To Learn More?
Book a free video consultation to discuss your parent's needs and see if
Boot & Co. is the right fit.
No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about whether
we're a good match.
Real People, Real Company, Real Relationships
© 2025 Boot & Co. | Real People, Real Company