Micro Markets Project: Report On Progress After One Year

Micro enterprises are vital elements of a diverse market that provides real choice to people. However the number of micro providers has fallen over the last five years as a result of the many barriers to setting up and sustaining a micro service, including regulations, legislation and commissioning practice designed for larger organisations.

The Department of Health is funding a two year NAAPS project to stimulate the development of a range of tailored and innovative adult social care and other micro enterprises in order to provide real choice for individuals needing support to live and be part of their local community. The project will identify effective business models that can be used to stimulate and support a vibrant local micro market. A Good Practice Toolkit will be web published at the end of the project for use by any local authority to build a thriving local market of micro providers.

The project is overseen by a National Project Steering Board chaired by the Department of Health and with representatives from key government, statutory and voluntary sector organisations.

Documents

• First year report on the Micro Markets Project (pdf - 48Kb) (opens new window)