Middle East energy crisis: what care providers need to know and do now

A recording of the webinar can reviewed below.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East were already driving sharp increases in global gas prices, creating immediate and significant financial risk for adult social care providers. For a sector that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this was not a distant geopolitical issue; it was a direct and growing pressure on the sustainability of care services across England.

Energy was no longer a background cost. It had become one of the most volatile and least predictable areas of expenditure. With gas prices rising rapidly and further instability expected, providers were facing increased costs, uncertainty at contract renewal, and heightened exposure to poor procurement decisions.

At the same time, evidence across the sector showed that many providers were already overpaying due to billing inaccuracies, hidden charges and unregulated brokerage practices. In a rising market, these issues were compounded, meaning providers could be locking in higher costs at exactly the wrong time.

This webinar was designed as an urgent, practical response to the crisis.

Led by David Woodward, Care England’s Energy Specialist from Focus Energy Solutions, this session cut through the noise and provided a clear view of what was happening in the energy market at the time, how the Middle East situation was driving price increases, and what care providers needed to do immediately to consider their short-, medium- and longer-term options.

This was not a theoretical discussion. It was a “what you needed to know and consider now” session to help providers navigate a rapidly changing market and avoid costly mistakes.

What you learned

• What was happening in the Middle East and how it was driving gas price increases
• What this meant for your current and future energy costs and options
• The short, medium and longer-term risks within existing contracts and upcoming renewals
• Considerations prior to locking into high-cost agreements during market volatility
• Where providers were being overcharged and how to identify and act on it
• Practical steps you could take to reduce exposure and regain control

Who attended

• Owners and Directors
• Finance leads
• Operations and Regional Managers
• Anyone responsible for energy contracts, procurement or cost control

Why attend

This was a fast-moving situation with real financial consequences for care providers. The decisions made at the time could significantly impact costs over the following 12–36 months.

Should you wish to discuss any of the points raised or have further questions, please contact:

David Woodward – Energy Specialist, Focus Energy Solutions: david@focusenergyservices.co.uk