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.
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: Define Your Care Service
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.
Handy hint: Many new providers don’t realise that certain services require CQC registration while others don’t. Our team can help assess which setup works best for you and ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.
Step 2: Choosing a Business Structure & Legal Setup
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)
Handy hint: Understanding the legal setup can be complex, especially when CQC registration, staffing regulations, and policies need to align with your structure. We can take the guesswork out of this process to ensure your setup is fully compliant from day one.
Step 3: Navigating CQC Registration & Compliance
If your business provides personal care, you must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before operating. This involves submitting a detailed application, policies, and financial forecasts to prove you meet all five CQC key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led.
📌 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
Handy Hint: Team Care Compliance can help you with your CQC Registration to ensure your application is flawless, complete, and fully compliant. Get in touch to find out how we can support you
I told you this would be broken down!
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!
Team Care Compliance is a veritable treasure chest of really useful information for care providers, so if you want to learn how we can support and enhance your care business, be sure to follow our updates on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X / Twitter. For more insights and behind-the-scenes stories, connect with TCC’s founder, Kerry McCulloch on her personal LinkedIn page.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, you might also enjoy…
Unlock Tender Writing to Secure Long-Term Growth
How Team Care Compliance Supports You in CQC Registration
How We Support Care Companies with Business Financial Viability and Forecasts
