More than 100 delegates attended a recent event organised by Care Providers Network (CPN) at Colchester United Football Club.

It was the second event for the new organisation, which represents care providers throughout Essex and Suffolk.

Liz Chidgey, acting executive director for adult social care, was guest speaker.

Dan Wylie, a local care home operator and director of CPN, said: “ I have met with a number of people from Essex County Council recently and they are very supportive of CPN and what we are trying to achieve. “We want to help local care businesses be more sustainable and become better businesses as we believe that will translate into better care for our service users. The council want that too.”

“There is a backcloth of funding cuts and very tough economic conditions and the council is not immune from that. I believe we will achieve more working together in a constructive and positive way, with open dialogue and being able to share our thoughts and ideas.”

Liz’s presentation covered market trends, future funding and how providers can work effectively with the local authority. It was followed by a Q&A session. Liz Chidgey believes there is quality care being achieved, in difficult circumstances and encouraged the attendees to work together with commissioners to bridge the funding gap.

“We are all in this together, these are unprecedented times and we all face challenges.” she said.