Setting up a care agency business in the UK? Follow These Steps:
When you’ve done this, it’s time to think about the all important question: go solo or work as a franchisee? In our experience, a care franchise for sale is undoubtedly the best option because of all the benefits that come with it. For starters, the business model is proven and profitable and in most cases it’s pain-free, too. Then there’s the entire network of franchisees whose expertise and experience you can rely on. You also get ongoing training and support as well as assistance with marketing and advertising. In fact, the system is such a well-oiled machine that it practically runs itself.
Next up is developing your care agency business plan. This is crucial not only for the funding you’ll be seeking to get from a lender (if you find yourself in this position), but also to be compliant with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. This is the overarching body that will ultimately give you the permission and go-ahead to proceed with providing services.
The CQC requires that you fill out a detailed application form and it also has some other specificities that you need to consider. Approval can take several months, so you need to know right from the outset that whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re purchasing an elderly care business for sale, the process can take anything between six and nine months to get the necessary approvals.
Let’s dig a little bit deeper into the CQC’s requirements, because this will be the crux of your business development strategy. First off, you need to apply for a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check in order to prove that you’re legally able to work with vulnerable adults. This DBS check is crucial because without it, you really won’t be able to set up your care agency.
Other documents you’ll need to provide include references from previous employers, a GP (to show that you’re fit and healthy), supply a completed registration form and create your statement of purpose. The latter needs to cover every detail of your business. Luckily, there’s a template to work with that the CQC provides.
Finally, you need to ensure you either hire a Registered Manager (who possesses the relevant qualifications), or you need to be the Registered Manager yourself (provided you have the qualifications). This role doesn’t necessarily entail running the business, but is more of an oversight role that ensures the services provided are of an acceptable standard.
Other considerations when you’re thinking about a care agency for sale include aspects such as getting insured in case anything goes awry. Such insurance can vary from public liability, professional indemnity, employers’ liability, medical malpractice cover to treatments liability insurance.
When choosing your home care agency for sale, you’ll also need to think about equipment costs such as software, computers, uniforms, etc; financing your care agency (this is much easier if you choose the franchise route); attracting skilled care workers to your agency (who will need to be certified within 12 weeks of starting work for you): as well as strategies for growing your care agency business through securing of private or local council contracts as well as advertising.
Is it worth investing in a home care business in the UK ?
A care business for sale, while it’s a lot of responsibility, can be one of the most rewarding parts of being a business owner simply because of the variety of the work and the type of real impact you and your staff can have on other people’s lives. If you feel ready to get started, why not get in touch for more details and information? We’re just a click away to help answer all your questions and get you started on your journey to becoming successfully self-employed.
