Shifts to independent delivery of health and social care services have led to increased numbers of micro-enterprises. Could these tiny organisations with just 5 or fewer employees be the best way of delivering cost-effective health and social care services in the context of decreased budgets and increased demands? What size is 'just right' for a care provider?

This book explores size as an independent variable in care services, comparing outcomes and value for money across micro, small, medium and large organisations. Using interviews and surveys with 108 people using services and carers in 27 case-study organisations it focuses on the contribution micro-enterprises can make to the care sector.

"A well-researched contribution by leading experts in this subject. Essential reading for policy professionals, providers of social care and the growing social and micro-enterprise community." Alex Murdock, Professor Emeritus, London South Bank University

Catherine Needham is Reader in Public Policy and Public Management at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. She has written extensively on social care.

Kerry Allen is a lecturer at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. Her research interests include participatory research and the design and delivery of social care services.

Kelly Hall is a Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Birmingham. Her research interests include health and social care social enterprises and micro-enterprises.