How to Start a Care Company – Step-by-Step Guide – Part 1

As a professional who has worked within the UK care industry for many years, I understand that setting up a care company is exciting. People choose to work in this sector because they care about people and want to help make a positive difference to individuals and in their community. I also understand that navigating business planning and regulations can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Many new providers underestimate the complexity of the process, which is why expert support is key to avoiding costly mistakes.

Breaking It Down Into Manageable Steps

Whatever kind of care you’re looking to provide, ensuring your business meets all legal and regulatory requirements is crucial, so in the first instalment of this two-part blog, allow me to break it down for you into 7 manageable steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Care Service Type

Before moving forward, you need to determine what type of care you will provide. For example, will your company offer home care services or specialist care like dementia support? Different models come with unique regulatory requirements, and choosing the right one will influence everything from CQC registration to staff recruitment.

Step 2: Register Your Business Legally

Every care business needs to be legally registered. While many providers opt for a Limited Company (Ltd) structure for liability protection, others may choose sole trader or partnership models. Registering with Companies House and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations is critical at this stage.

Key Considerations

• Choosing a legally compliant business structure
• Registering for tax and employment regulations
• Ensuring GDPR & data protection compliance (ICO registration)

Step 3: Understand CQC Requirements

Common Pitfalls Providers Face

• Missing policies & procedures – A top reason applications get rejected
• Financial viability concerns – You need a clear business plan & projections
• Insufficient staff training plans – The CQC expects robust recruitment & training frameworks

Next Steps

Setting up a care company is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need help navigating CQC registration, compliance, or business structure, Team Care Compliance is here to support you every step of the way. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll cover funding, staffing, and finding those all-important clients! Or get in touch now if you’re eager to get the ball rolling!