Supporting Micromarket Development: A Practical Guide for Local Authorities

Available free of charge, the guide gives advice to local authorities on how to support and stimulate the growth of local micro markets providing social care.

Micro social care enterprises are seen by DH as important elements of a diverse market providing more choice for people.

Providers of micro (very small) social care and support services are independent of other organisations.

They can be based on one of a number of business models including sole trader, partnership, small business, social enterprise, not for profit, charity or voluntary organisation.

Services can also be delivered on a voluntary or barter basis with no business model at all, motivated solely by the desire to help other people.

Examples of micro services include:

• Small care homes
• Supported housing
• Domiciliary care
• Brokerage, advocacy and planning services
• Holidays and short breaks

Services can be bought by individuals funding their own care or through direct payments and personal budgets, or can commissioned directly by public sector bodies.

Micro enterprises set up and managed by local people are well placed to deliver individualised services to individuals living in the same community.

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