Procurement
n Fewer rewashes and no more pre-soaking. n Lower wash temperatures without compromising hygiene.
n Reduced utility costs. n Improved consistency and staff confidence.
n Positive feedback from residents and families – especially those living with dementia, who recognised the familiar fragrance of one of the brands.
This is not just about clean sheets and clothes. It is about process, and giving teams the tools to do their job without extra effort or workaround. And sometimes, it is about giving residents a small but powerful sense of comfort and familiarity.
Time is the biggest hidden cost One of the most overlooked elements in care procurement is staff time. Not scheduled hours – but the time lost to inefficiency. Time spent tearing gloves that do not fit. Refilling soap dispensers too often. Trying to make poor-quality kitchen wrap stick.
Each of these examples seem minor.
But taken together, across every shift, the loss is significant. More importantly, it erodes morale. Staff feel as though they are constantly working around problems that should have been solved upstream. Every product chosen needs to be
Case Study: Stow Healthcare
When Stow Healthcare began reviewing its procurement processes, the goal was not just to save money. It was about achieving better value – financially, operationally, and in the experience of both staff and residents. As a multi-award-winning care group operating high-quality homes across East Anglia, Stow was already recognised for its standards. But – like many providers – it faced mounting cost pressures, staffing demands, and the daily challenge of maintaining consistency at scale. We partnered with Stow Healthcare
to assess how smarter, more strategic procurement could support its objectives. The impact has been transformative. One of the first tangible benefits
was the simplification of supply chains. By consolidating multiple supplier relationships and negotiating as a single group, Stow Healthcare significantly reduced the administrative burden on its internal teams. This freed up time for managers and frontline staff alike – time that could be redirected into operations and care delivery. Instead of juggling contracts and chasing pricing inconsistencies, site teams had a clearer route to order quality- assured goods and services. From kitchen
supplies to clinical items, procurement became less reactive and more proactive. The group could anticipate needs and respond swiftly to emerging challenges. The financial results were immediate and measurable. By accessing our established network of vetted suppliers, Stow achieved highly competitive pricing across multiple categories – without needing to compromise on quality or service. These savings were not just small-scale efficiencies. In many cases, they allowed the organisation to reinvest into its homes – funding facilities improvements, equipment upgrades, and service enhancements that directly benefit residents. From an organisational perspective,
this was not just about shaving pennies off invoices. It was about creating financial headroom to protect care quality in a changing economic landscape. Whether sourcing specialist medical equipment or ensuring cleaning products met infection control standards, we provided relevant guidance rooted in lived care experience. It was never about pushing products – it was about solving problems.
assessed not only on price but on how well it helps your teams work effectively and confidently. Too often, this is overlooked in the hunt for savings, particularly by procurement professionals who have never spent time on the front line. When decisions are made without that insight, the result can be products that look good on paper but create frustration, extra work and hidden costs in practice.
When brands outperform own label There is often a push to replace branded products with own-label alternatives. In many categories – dry goods, disposables, packaging – that makes sense. But there are areas where branded options still offer better long-term value. For example:
n Premium gravy granules: more consistent, more efficient.
n Dishwasher tablets with built-in salt and rinse aid: these extend the life of machines and cut down on water and energy use by removing the need for repeat washes. They are also designed to work safely at the lower temperatures typically used in the quick cycles that busy staff rely on.
n Branded china: usually made with rolled edges that are more resilient to knocks and less likely to chip. Many ranges come with chip guarantees and, importantly, still look good after hundreds of washes, unlike cheaper products that mark, fade, and need to be replaced far more often.
This is not about brand loyalty. It is about proven performance – if a product saves time, improves results, and reduces stress for your team, it is worth the extra investment.
October 2025
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