For many people, January calls for a reset. It’s a challenging month, following the increased spending of Christmas, social burnout after the festive period and the darker days that can begin to blur into one. For those working in care, the strain can be even greater . From supporting residents through dull winter nights to keeping festive spirits hight for those without family visits, all while continuing to deliver high quality care.

For care homes, January often brings a moment to pause, reset and gain financial clarity. While Christmas brings warmth, joy and meaningful moments for residents, it often leaves stretched budgets as the New Year begins.

It also presents itself as an opportunity to reflect on the previous year while looking ahead at 2026. Reviewing supplier contracts, checking pricing against current benchmarks and understanding where spending has increased over the year can help prevent costs from drifting high. This is where we can help. With over 50 years’ combined experience in the care sector, our team of specialists understand your pain points and can offer a bespoke service to fit your needs.

Whether its a quick category review or a fully managed tendering process, we can offer our expertise knowledge and time to help save you money and focus on what matters most, your residents.

Even small changes can make a big difference within the sector. During the winter months, planning menus around seasonal produce can help lower costs due to greater availability while keeping meals fresh and varied for residents. Seasonal ingredients are often more nutrient-rich, supporting both health and enjoyment at mealtimes.

Portion control and improved ordering processes are also key in managing costs and reducing waste. It’s estimated that food waste alone can account for up to 30% of food purchased within the care industry! This means there are significant opportunities to achieve both financial savings and sustainability improvements!

By using January as a reset point, care homes can start the year feeling more informed, more supported and more in control. With the right insights and changes, the New Year becomes less about recovery and more about fresh starts.

If you’re looking for clarity after a busy festive period, then get in contact today. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, benchmarking prices or identifying quick savings, our team can support you with tailored insight and practical solutions helping you regain control and plan confidently for the year ahead.