SMEs in the NHS Supply Chain: Barriers and Opportunities
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in the UK economy — driving innovation, creating jobs, supporting job creation, and generating wealth by supplying specialist products and services that keep essential industries moving. Within healthcare, their contribution is equally vital. SMEs also have a positive impact on local communities and the broader public […]
NHS Procurement Opportunities in London
Access frameworks, tenders, and buyer insights across London’s NHS market with HCI Contracts Why London Is Central to NHS Procurement London represents one of the UK’s most competitive and opportunity-rich NHS procurement markets. With more than 40 NHS trusts across five Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) – North West, North Central, North East, South East, and […]
Workforce, Staffing & Clinical Recruitment Contracts
The Growing Demand for Recruitment Contracts in Healthcare The UK healthcare sector is experiencing sustained workforce pressures. As of early 2025, more than 106,000 NHS vacancies remained unfilled across England — including over 25,600 nursing posts. The competitive healthcare market makes it essential for suppliers to understand market dynamics and trends to stay ahead. Despite […]
The Role of ESG in Health Procurement: What Suppliers Must Know
Why ESG Matters in Health Procurement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer optional extras in healthcare procurement—they are central to how public bodies, especially the NHS, evaluate suppliers. Climate change and environmental challenges are key drivers for the adoption of ESG in health procurement, as organisations seek to address global issues and […]
UK Budget 2025: Predictions for Healthcare and Procurement
Why the UK Budget 2025 Matters More Than Ever The UK Budget has always been a pivotal moment for public sector suppliers, but the 2025 Budget carries particular weight. Following years of fiscal pressure, NHS recovery plans, and the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 (fully in force since February 2025), this Budget will set […]
How to Win Contracts in Integrated Care Systems
Why ICSs Are Changing NHS Procurement Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are reshaping how NHS procurement works across England. For suppliers, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities. Instead of individual Trusts or regional teams making decisions in isolation, ICSs create joined-up commissioning processes designed to improve efficiency, collaboration, and deliver better outcomes for patients. For […]
Incorporating Social Value in Tenders: How to Stand Out in Health Sector
Why Social Value Matters in Health Tenders In UK healthcare procurement, social value has become a decisive factor in winning NHS contracts. Public procurement in the UK is governed by the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement, which require public sector procurement and public sector buyers to consider social value as an […]
NHS Localised Buying: Is the NHS Moving Toward More Localised Purchasing?
Why NHS Localised Buying Matters in 2025 The NHS is undergoing a pivotal shift in 2025 toward more localised (regional or place-based) buying. This change is shaped by lessons learned from recent crises such as COVID-19 and Brexit. During the pandemic, trusts that supplemented central supply with local sourcing were often better able to maintain […]
How to Position Your Business for NHS Digital Health Contracts
The UK healthcare system is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. From electronic patient records (EPRs) to artificial intelligence (AI) triage tools and remote monitoring platforms, the NHS is investing heavily in technology to meet evolving patient needs. Key organisations such as NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are driving digital transformation […]
Who’s Buying What? Understanding the New NHS Procurement Landscape
The NHS is the UK’s largest public sector buyer, spending billions annually on goods, services, and innovation. But with procurement processes undergoing rapid transformation—driven by new legislation, digital platforms, increasing demands for transparency, and public procurement reforms—suppliers face a very different environment than even a few years ago. For healthcare suppliers, especially SMEs, understanding these […]