In our recent HCI webinar ‘Driving Innovation and Collaboration in NHS Procurement’, Alyson Brett, Managing Director at NHS Commercial Solutions, delivered a compelling discussion on the evolving role of procurement in shaping the future of the NHS.
With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and early engagement, Alyson shared her insights on how procurement professionals and suppliers can work together to create lasting, impactful change across the healthcare system.
Below, we’ve rounded up the core themes from her presentation:
Collaboration is Non-Negotiable
At the heart of NHS Commercial Solutions’ mission is the drive to build meaningful partnerships between NHS bodies, suppliers, and regional stakeholders. As Alyson noted, “collaboration is absolutely critical”—not only to solve procurement challenges but to create the right environment for innovation to thrive.
Cross-sector collaboration, particularly through integrated care systems and provider collaboratives, is key to delivering the kind of transformative changes the NHS requires.
Innovation Must Be Continuous and Embedded
Alyson made it clear: innovation in procurement isn’t just about launching new ideas—it’s about continuous improvement and staying ahead of evolving healthcare needs. Her team actively encourages a culture of curiosity, urging procurement professionals to anticipate the future and match supplier solutions to emerging challenges.
Examples included agile frameworks for modular building, a new sustainable estates framework, and the integration of AI into radiology and clinical reporting to speed up service delivery and free up vital clinical time.
Engage Early or Miss Out
One of the most important messages for suppliers was the need for early engagement. Alyson emphasized the value of co-designing solutions with procurement bodies and building relationships well before formal tendering processes begin.
Suppliers are encouraged to take advantage of health innovation networks, foster direct connections with collaborative hubs, and participate in supplier relationship management meetings to stay on procurement radars.
HCI has early engagement tools within our platform to help suppliers build strategic relationships. Request a free demo to see how we can help your business.
The Procurement Act Brings Opportunity
The new Procurement Act is a turning point. It introduces more flexibility, enabling NHS frameworks to accept new suppliers during their lifetime—an essential step toward keeping pace with innovation and encouraging competition.
The Act also aims to streamline procurement processes and improve SME access, removing historic barriers that have often excluded smaller or more agile suppliers. For buyers, this means designing processes that are not just compliant, but genuinely inclusive and future-focused.
Where Suppliers Should Focus Now
Finally, Alyson Brett outlined the main areas of opportunity in today’s NHS procurement landscape:
- Hospital-to-home care models and community-based service delivery
- Digital technologies for productivity and efficiency gains
- Preventive healthcare solutions to reduce long-term service demand
- Solutions supporting net-zero goals and sustainability
She also encouraged suppliers to consider how their products or services might be repurposed for new care settings, such as home environments, and how innovation can support evolving patient pathways.
Final Thoughts
Alyson Brett’s message is clear: the NHS needs agile, innovative, and collaborative suppliers now more than ever. With the Procurement Act setting a new tone and early engagement proving crucial to success, the opportunity to contribute meaningful change is wide open.
For suppliers ready to help shape the future of healthcare delivery, now is the time to act.
Register for our upcoming webinars to get even more insights.
Request a demo today to find out how HCI can support your business.
