Working with business owners in the Social Care Sector it is clear that so many are stuck in a mindset. They require the Local Authority and NHS approval to attract clients.
The adjustments to the procurement process for 2026 have some surprises in store. A recent Pre-market Engagement event with one of the local authorities dropped the bombshell – all providers must have a CQC rating of “Good” or better.
The CQC First Inspection backlog runs to the thousands, note the post by Homecare Association. The problem will get worse.
Three Simple Steps
Once registration is achieved a Care provider can build the market confidence with three actions:
- Prequalification using SSIP accreditation for Health and Safety
- Complete PAS91 compliance
- Social Value Accreditation
All available for Health and Social Care Providers, the investment creates clear rewards and generates market confidence. We recommend using service providers like PQS (Prequalification Scheme [SSIP])
Quality Assurance Accreditation
Tailored ISO 9001 accreditation is limited and costly but worth the investment. The assessment process is designed to capture both Good Practice and Key development needs.
When small businesses look to punch above their weight the primary tool is demonstrating the quality of the service.
Social Media
The growth of online Brokerages has created a second marketplace and here you are looking at paying for referrals.
How do you beat the Brokers? simply put work harder at the online profile and footprint. Therefore, use AI tools to ensure that your prospective clients are engaged quickly, that they can speak to the right person.
Consequently, Facebook; Instagram; Bluesky; Community Directories and local advertising online create opportunities.
Additionally, use feedback sites and request testimonials that automatically link to Trust Pilot and similar services. Use Online Forms to feed the local reference sites where your business is listed.
Exploit Website Potential
Therefore this year I have offered all clients web traffic analysis. The majority found this interesting as they paid maintenance services and SEO only to find the unique visits generated each week were low.
Also the website design is just the same as everyone else, take a look, same photographs, AI generated text and links that didn’t help them to inspire anyone to call.
Looking at my website you will say “you can’t talk” however, my website isn’t designed to encourage a large number of enquires. The blog is all that is focused on as all services and support are bespoke, designed and then tailored to your needs. We make ourselves redundant.
So act over the holiday period launch these actions:
- Analyse the website
- Check your credit score as a business
- List the accreditation that would give you confidence
- Design a marketing plan
- Action plan for the second week in January
If you need assistance in completing any of these tasks or want this done independently then contact us or subscribe to the blog.
