Procurement
Bulk buying – simple, smart and underused One of the most straightforward ways to reduce cost without affecting quality is to buy in larger pack sizes. Yet many care homes still buy 1kg bags of sugar or single bottles of detergent. Larger packs can offer savings of 10 to
15 per cent or more – and they reduce packaging waste, handling time, and storage hassle. You will need proper containers and basic stock control, but the return is immediate. Great candidates for this include:
n Dry goods such as flour, sugar, and rice. n Cleaning chemicals – ideally supplied
through dosing systems rather than ready to use bottles.
n Soaps and sanitisers – again, dosing systems offer far better value and control.
n Kitchen disposables. n Laundry detergent.
Across a group of homes, this approach can save tens of thousands of pounds over a year – with minimal change to operations.
Chemicals – when precision matters more than price Cleaning products are a perfect example of hidden cost versus visible saving. On the surface, buying diluted, generic products looks cheaper. But overuse, inconsistent results, and compliance risk quickly erode any benefit. Professional chemical systems offer: n Accurate dosing.
n COSHH compliance. n Better audit readiness.
More importantly, they work. The result is cleaner spaces, happier staff, and fewer re-cleans. And they use less product to do more – meaning the per-litre cost becomes irrelevant in the long run.
Mobilising new homes the right way When opening a new care home, the early weeks set the tone. Poor procurement planning leads to last-minute orders, confused teams, and operational delays. We recommend a structured
commissioning plan that includes: n Starter packs for kitchen, care and cleaning.
n Uniforms, name badges and staff essentials.
n Supplier accounts and credit terms ready in advance.
n Training on systems and products. n Clear budget categories from day one.
Get this right, and your teams can focus on settling in – not catching up. Five actions you can take now:
n Walk the floor – look for product-related frustrations. Listen to staff. You will learn more in 20 minutes than a spreadsheet will tell you in a year.
n Review your top 100 spend lines – are they doing what you need them to do? Could one better product replace two weaker ones?
n Test before you switch – run side-by-side trials. Track outcomes. Choose what works best, not necessarily the cheapest.
n Standardise sensibly – where possible, reduce variation. This helps with training, stock control, and budget consistency.
n Focus on the outcome – ask: does this product save time, reduce stress, improve safety, or enhance care? If yes, it is probably worth more than it costs.
Good procurement is not about squeezing suppliers or cutting corners. It is about choosing well. Supporting your staff. Protecting your residents. Building systems that stand up under pressure. Sometimes that means spending more.
But if it saves time, reduces risk, and improves consistency, then it is not a cost – it is an investment in better care. And in this sector, there is nothing more valuable than that.n
Chris Dean
Chris Dean is the founder and chief procurement officer of Procurement For Care and a qualified MCIPS procurement professional with over 20 years’ experience supporting care providers. Formerly director of procurement at Sunrise Senior Living, Chris managed more than £60m in spend, driving savings and securing significant rebates. His career includes time with a leading procurement firm supporting both large groups and single-site operators. Chris founded Procurement For Care to provide dedicated, care-specific procurement support with a focus on integrity and freeing up operational time. A trained chef and former restaurant owner, he has also helped care clients win multiple catering and sustainability awards.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2025
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