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Care business setup, 2026 guide
To set up a care business in the UK, you form a limited company, write a business plan, appoint a registered manager and a nominated individual, prepare your Statement of Purpose and policies, then register with the regulator before you provide personal care: the CQC in England, CIW in Wales, the Care Inspectorate in Scotland or RQIA in Northern Ireland. A new home care agency usually needs £8,000 to £25,000 and around 4 to 6 months.
We set up home care and supported living services from the business plan to the first client, with packages from £500 to £8,500 + VAT. This guide gives you every step, cost and rule as it stands in 2026.
£0
to apply to CQC. You pay £100 to form your company, then a CQC annual fee from £239 a year.
Every start-up costChecked against CQC and GOV.UK on
Most of the people we help start a home care agency or a supported living service. Both provide personal care, so both register with CQC in England before taking their first client.
Also called a domiciliary care agency
Care workers visit people in their own homes to help with washing, dressing, meals and medicines. The most common first care business, and the cheapest to start, because you can run it from home.
For adults with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs
People hold their own tenancy and you provide the care and support. The housing and the care are kept separate, which CQC checks closely, so your model and your landlord agreements need to be right from the start.
Not sure which model fits your plans?
Talk to a consultantThe order matters: CQC only accepts your application once your company, office, people and policies are all in place. These are the 8 steps for a home care agency in England, with what each costs and how we help.
What working with us looks like
Stage 1 of 4Steps 1 to 2
Decide who you will support and how: home care, supported living, live-in care or specialist support. If you will help people with personal care, such as washing, dressing or medicines, it is a regulated activity and you must register with CQC before you start.
Check your local market first: who commissions care near you, and at what rates.
CQC asks home care and supported living applicants for a business plan and financial forecast. Show your services, area, staffing, pricing and cash flow, including how you will pay staff before income arrives. The Homecare Association puts the minimum sustainable price at £34.42 an hour in 2026 to 2027.
We write business plans that CQC and lenders can both read.
Stage 2 of 4Steps 3 to 4
Register a limited company with Companies House for £100 online, usually within 24 hours. Since 18 November 2025 every director must verify their identity. Then register for Corporation Tax and PAYE, and pay the ICO data protection fee, £52 a year for most small agencies.
Care provided by a registered agency is VAT exempt, so most agencies do not charge VAT on care.
You need a registered office in England, not a PO box; a secure room at home can work. Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement, with at least £5 million cover. Appoint your registered manager and nominated individual, and apply for their CQC-countersigned enhanced DBS checks, which can take up to 60 working days.
Start the DBS checks early: CQC will not accept update service certificates for registration.
Stage 3 of 4Steps 5 to 6
Write your Statement of Purpose and the policies CQC asks for: safeguarding, complaints, consent, equality, governance, infection control, medicines and recruitment. Home care applicants also send service user guides, a staff training plan and evidence they can use their office.
Policies have to describe your service, not a template: CQC tests them at interview.
New providers download CQC's application forms, add the additional information for providers of personal care form, and email everything with the supporting documents. CQC may interview your manager, visit your office and speak to your nominated individual. Since February 2026 it rejects incomplete applications.
Our clients are approved first time 94% of the time, because nothing goes in until it is complete.
Stage 4 of 4Steps 7 to 8
Pay at least the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour, plus travel time between visits. Every care worker needs an enhanced DBS check, £41 from October 2026, and induction training such as the Care Certificate. You cannot recruit care workers from overseas: that route closed to new applicants on 22 July 2025.
Recruit before you need to: most agencies lose their first clients through lack of staff.
Most agencies start with private clients, found through a website, Google Business Profile, GPs, hospital discharge teams and word of mouth. Councils and the NHS buy care through frameworks and dynamic markets; register on the Central Digital Platform and bid when they open.
We build care websites and write tenders, so the clients follow the registration.
Steps follow CQC registration guidance (August 2026), Companies House and GOV.UK, checked 16 October 2026. Supported living follows the same steps, with its own property and tenancy arrangements.
Most new home care agencies need £8,000 to £25,000. The fees you must pay are small; most of the money goes on insurance, systems, people and enough cash to pay staff before income arrives.
Lean start from home
£8,000 to £12,000
You manage the service yourself, work from home and start with a small team and private clients.
With an office and a manager
£15,000 to £25,000+
A rented office, a salaried registered manager and a marketing budget, ready to bid for council work.
£100
Companies House, online. Accountant set-up extra.
Official fee£0
CQC charges no application fee.
Official feeFrom £239 a year
£239 per location plus £54.305 for each person you support: about £782 at 10 people.
Official fee£41 each
From 5 October 2026. CQC countersigns the checks for your manager and nominated individual.
Official fee£52 a year
Tier 1, for most small agencies. £5 less by direct debit.
Official fee£1,000 to £3,000 a year
Employers' liability, public liability and professional indemnity.
£200 to £2,000
Depends on how far they are tailored to your service.
£100 to £500 a month
Rotas, care plans, visit monitoring and records.
£500 to £5,000
Our care websites are £1,500 + VAT.
£0 to £1,000 a month
Nothing from a suitable room at home; £300 to £1,000 to rent.
£30,000 to £40,000 a year
Unless you meet CQC's requirements and manage it yourself.
3 months of costs
Wages and running costs before councils and clients pay you.
What CQC assessors expect: your services, staffing model, financial forecast and how you will cover costs before income arrives.
Read the business plan guideOur domiciliary care start-up package page sets out every cost for home care and what we include.
Domiciliary care start-up packageOfficial fees from Companies House, CQC, DBS and the ICO, checked 16 October 2026. Other figures are typical ranges for a small agency, not quotes.
From the Care Sync Experts YouTube channel, where we answer the questions new providers ask us every week.
Registering your company, your business plan, CQC registration and your Statement of Purpose, policies, recruiting and training staff, and the technology you need.
Office or home, what you can do yourself, policies, a registered manager's salary, software and marketing, and what a lean or mid-sized start really costs.
What CQC accepts as a registered office, a secure room, landlord or lender permission, insurance and ICO registration, and why your home address becomes public.
Novaedge Services Limited
Joyce Authentic Care
Synergy Home Care
Olive Cross Healthcare
Home Health Care Service
Future Care Support
Kursi Healthcare Limited
Silverstead Homecare
Demidav Home Care and Supported Living
Blue Bay Care Services
Mari Support Services
TS Healthcare
VCS
Ravdon Health Care
Living Plus Care
ZoeLife Care
Care & Grace
Comfort Support Services
Hallowed Care Staffing Agency
Fridel Care
EveBlue Homes
Akol Care
Breathe Care Services
Crown & Glory Group
Victory Growth Care Services
Rhuomai Home Care Services
Hopeful Horizons
Sanity Homecare
Precious Care Northwest
Highlands Care
Clarity HomecareChoose the full setup, from business plan to first client, or only the parts you need. Either way, your plan, policies, application and website all describe the same service.
The plan and cash flow forecast CQC asks home care and supported living applicants for.
Companies House, HMRC and ICO registration, and the structure that suits your plans.
Every document CQC asks for, written around your service, not lifted from a template.
We check every form and document before you send it, so it is not rejected as incomplete.
Mock interviews for your registered manager and nominated individual, with feedback.
Job descriptions, safer recruitment checks and the staff files CQC expects to see.
A name, logo and care website that families, staff and commissioners can trust.
Google Business Profile, local referrers and tenders for council and NHS work.
Setup packages
£500 to £8,500 + VAT
From a single business plan or policy pack to the full setup with CQC registration support, interview preparation, a website and support after you open. We agree a fixed price after your consultation. 94% of the providers we support are approved by CQC first time.
Many start-up guides still describe the rules of 2024. These are the changes that affect anyone starting a care agency in 2026.
Missing, out of date or wrong documents now mean rejection, and a resubmitted application goes to the back of the queue.
Companies House requires every new director to verify their identity before the company can be formed.
The Health and Care Worker visa closed to new overseas care workers, so new agencies recruit in the UK.
An enhanced check fell from £49.50 to £41, and the update service from £16 to £15 a year.
Sick pay from the first day of illness since April 2026, with rights to guaranteed hours for zero-hours staff expected in 2027.
Pay negotiations for adult social care start in April 2027, with the first agreement due by April 2028. Build it into your pricing.
The February 2026 rule is the one that catches most new providers out. Our CQC registration guide shows what a complete application looks like.
CQC registration guideSources: CQC registration guidance; Companies House; Home Office; Disclosure and Barring Service; Acas, Employment Rights Act 2025; Department of Health and Social Care. Checked 16 October 2026.
Care providers describe working with us, in their own words, on Trustpilot and Google.
Moving slowly. Hover, tap or press Pause to read.
First of all i want to give Millicent…
First of all i want to give Millicent her flowers. I recently became a registered manager ( OLIVE BRANCH CARE & SUPPORT LTD) because of her. She knows her stuff, she takes you through the whole process, the Q&A with encouragement and guidance. I am usually a nerve wreck, but I made it. I couldn't not have wished for a better person than her. THANK YOU MILLICENT. YOU ARE THE BEST.
Audrey Eastwood
3 October 2026
Excellent Support Throughout Our CQC Registration Journey
Care Sync Experts provided excellent support throughout our CQC registration journey for Tailored Healthcare 4 You Limited. The team was professional, knowledgeable and very supportive throughout the process. They provided valuable guidance with our application, policies, supporting documents and preparation for the CQC registration process. What I particularly appreciated was their willingness to answer questions, explain requirements clearly and provide support whenever we needed clarification. Their guidance helped us navigate what can be a detailed and demanding registration process with greater confidence. We are very grateful for their contribution towards the successful CQC registration of our company and would happily recommend Care Sync Experts to other care providers looking for professional CQC registration support. Thank you to the entire team for your continued support.
Philip
3 September 2026
Thanks to Care Sync Experts
Care Sync Experts supported with well tailored documentations for the CQC application, good prep/training for the CQC interview and prompt communication throughout the CQC registration stages which led to the success of Novaedge application I had an excellent experience working with Care Sync Experts on my CQC registration application. From the very beginning, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to ensuring my application met the required CQC standards. They provided clear guidance throughout the entire process, helped me prepare all the necessary documentation, and ensured I was fully ready for every stage of the application. Their attention to detail, prompt communication, and willingness to answer every question gave me confidence and made what could have been a stressful process much smoother. I truly appreciated their personalised support and expertise. Thanks to their dedication, I felt well-prepared throughout my CQC registration journey. I would confidently recommend Care Sync Experts to anyone seeking reliable and professional support with CQC registration and healthcare compliance.
Novaedge Services Limited
25 July 2026
The Experience that I have had with…care sync was a 5 star experience
The Experience that I have had with Care Sync experts is so excellent and effortless. Care sync experts assisted me with the CQC registration of my company. It was a 5 star experience. Coming from a healthcare background myself, I worked with a group of dedicated experts who knows what there are doing. I will like to thank Colin who handled my registration process with the Care sync expert team in such a way that the process looked so simple.
E. Lustre
21 July 2026
Care Sync Experts are reliable
Care Sync Experts are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. All the staff are knowledgeable and supportive whenever you need guidance. I recommend them for all those loking for CQC support services.
customer
12 June 2026
I am genuinely grateful that I chose Care Sync
I am genuinely grateful that I chose Care Sync Experts to support me in establishing my domiciliary care company, Precious Care. From my very first conversation with them, it was clear that they truly understood my needs. Their knowledge, expertise, and professionalism were evident from the start—they really do live up to their name. The support provided to me and my wider team was exceptional and truly limitless. No matter how small the question, they were always available, approachable, and ready to help. From day one, Millicent and Collins made us feel valued and important. Speaking with them felt like talking to people I had known for years—warm, reassuring, and always willing to go the extra mile. Every phone call ended with clarity and confidence. Millicent’s guidance, training, and ongoing support were outstanding and made the entire process smooth and stress‑free. Without hesitation, I would recommend Care Sync Experts as the go‑to professionals for anyone seeking EXPERT support in this field.
PN
27 March 2026
CQC interview confidence building
I found the material I was given very informative. This helped build my confidence during my CQC interview preparation. The staff responded to my inquiries timeously
Lilian Muzorewa
23 February 2026
100% Support: How Care Sync Experts Made Our CQC Certification A Reality
I couldn’t be more grateful for Care Sync experts exceptional support during our CQC interview presentations. From the very beginning, Millicent and Collins were not only professional but also incredibly approachable and dedicated. Every time we needed assistance, they were right there ready to help with guidance, expert advice, and all the information required to ensure our success. When our interview dates kept changing, Care Sync flexibility truly set them apart. They rescheduled sessions without hesitation and even provided extra sessions, going far beyond what we had paid for. Their unwavering commitment was a crucial factor in us achieving our CQC certification. Thanks to their 100% support, Victory Growth Care Services is now proudly registered with CQC. I wholeheartedly recommend Care Sync expats for anyone looking for top-notch, dependable support in navigating the complexities of CQC interviews. Their team truly makes a difference!
Shaz K
12 February 2025
Outstanding Tender Writing Services
I recently used Care Sync Experts for the first time to complete a tender, and I am thrilled to say that they won it for me! Their team is absolutely brilliant. They took care of everything with professionalism and expertise, making the whole process smooth and successful. I would 100% recommend Care Sync Experts to any provider looking for someone to write their tender. Their work is of a high standard, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Vivian Owusu
22 August 2024
Outstanding Service and Exceptional Results!
I had the pleasure of working with Care Sync Experts for various projects, including website development, tender submissions, and branding materials such as brochures and leaflets. From start to finish, their professionalism and attention to detail have been nothing short of remarkable. They designed and developed my website with a keen understanding of my needs, creating a sleek, user-friendly platform that perfectly represents my brand. But they didn't stop there, their expertise in handling tenders is unparalleled. Of the six tenders they managed for me, they won five. This impressive success rate speaks volumes about their strategic approach and deep industry knowledge. I highly recommend Care Sync Experts to anyone looking for top notch services in web development, tender management, and branding. They have truly elevated my business, and I look forward to continuing our partnership!
Living Plus Care
12 August 2024
Last reviewed
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Keep exploring with Care Sync Experts.
These guides, services and client stories go hand in hand with this page, so you have everything you need to build and grow a successful care service.
How to start a care agency in the UK: CQC registration, registered manager rules, real 2026 costs, timescales…
Start a supported living service: CQC registration, housing and care kept separate, costs and council rates.
Practical CQC registration guidance for domiciliary care and supported living providers in England, covering…
