Lancashire Micro Providers
Go Self-Employed in Care Without Doing It Alone
The Professional Carers Network is proud to support Lancashire County Council's Micro Provision Programme.
If you're starting or growing a self-employed care business, PCN gives you the support, training, insurance and community to help you succeed.
Built by care workers. Run by care workers.
Why Join PCN?
Starting a micro care business can feel exciting... and overwhelming.
Questions like:
❓ How do I find clients?
❓ What should I charge?
❓ What paperwork do I need?
❓ What happens if I get stuck?
❓ How do I know I'm doing things correctly?
That's exactly why PCN exists.
We're here to help you build a professional, sustainable care business whilst delivering outstanding support within your community.
What's Included:
✅ Public Liability Insurance
✅ Income Protection Cover
✅ Care Training Package
✅ Business Setup Support
✅ Advanced Business Training
✅ DBS Processing Support
✅ Templates & Resources
✅ Care Referrals
✅ Peer Support & Networking
✅ National Community of Independent Care Workers
I Know Exactly How You Feel Because I Was There Too
Hi, I'm Maria.
I'm a self-employed care worker and founder of the Professional Carers Network.
Over the last 6 years I've built my own successful care business, supported more than 50 care clients personally and helped over 200 care workers to successfully thrive as self employed care workers and build a business they love.
Today PCN supports care workers across the UK and is proud to be working alongside Lancashire County Council to help grow the micro-provider movement.
This is particularly close to my heart as I am born and bred in Lancashire and live in the Ribble Valley. So I am super excited to help local people find the joy of high quality person-led care, both for people working in care and using care services.
PCN is special as we do as we teach because we are all self employed independent care workers too! So this isn't theory, it's practice. It's real world in the ditches, what works strategies and ideas. We know the challenges and joys you face, as we face them each and every day right there with you!
What Our Members Say..
Penny Broadbent
PCN gave me the confidence and the scaffolding to enable me to set up my own business and walk away from the corporate Care system.
It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made joining PCN all the information I needed but did not know where to start to run my own care business is there and if something is not there I know I can reach out to the network for support / assistance.
I once felt like a cog in the corporate machine, now I show up as a whole person guided by compassion, I get to truly know the people I support, and honour their individual rhythms, and craft care that’s unique as they are.
There’s no bureaucracy slowing down good instincts, no pressure to rush from one client to the next. Instead I have the time, space and autonomy to listen deeply and act on integrity, yes I wear every hat now- schedular, caregiver, advocate etc - but I wouldn’t have it any other way as I know I have PCN for support and guidance when needed. This isnt just work anymore it’s a purpose, lived fully.
Thanks to PCN.
Phil Higham
Before joining PCN, I was facing a number of frustrations. One of the biggest was being managed by people who shouldn't have been managers. Real care was being engulfed by red tape, and I couldn't offer the care I was being made to promise people.
The whole situation felt insufferable.
PCN offers me support in many ways, but it doesn't get in the way of the tailored support and care I provide. It gives me the backing I need whilst still allowing me to work in a way that puts the person first.
One of the biggest differences I've noticed is feeling less stressed, which is really important to me.
Today, I feel happier, more liberated and more fulfilled.
Lisa Griffiths
When I first started my business I hadn’t heard of PCN! But when I discovered Maria from PCN a few months in from the start of my business I felt immediately part of something fantastic!
The help and support PCN offers is unmatchable.
I am so grateful to be part of this community.
Special Support For Lancashire Providers
We are delighted to be working alongside Lancashire County Council as part of their Micro Provision Programme.
As care needs continue to evolve, Lancashire County Council has recognised that traditional care models alone cannot meet the growing demand for personalised, flexible, relationship-led support.
That's why they are actively supporting the development of self-employed care workers and micro-providers across Lancashire.
Not only does this help create more care options for local residents, it also supports the principles of the Care Act by encouraging a diverse and sustainable care market, giving people greater choice and control over how their support is delivered.
We believe this is a forward-thinking approach that recognises the valuable role independent care workers can play within local communities.
By working together, Lancashire County Council and the Professional Carers Network are helping to create opportunities for care workers to build successful independent businesses, whilst ensuring residents have access to a wider range of high-quality care and support options.
We're proud to support Lancashire's vision and excited to help more care workers take their first steps towards becoming successful micro-providers.
Because when care workers thrive, communities thrive too.
As part of Lancashire County Council's Micro Provision Programme, you may be eligible for additional support to help you get started.
