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 South West London – the capital manages billions in annual procurement spend.
For suppliers, this creates a thriving environment to deliver goods, technology, and services that power frontline healthcare. Companies interested in supplying the NHS must navigate a complex industry landscape, where understanding procurement routes and sector-specific requirements is essential for success. From medical equipment to digital systems, facilities management, and workforce solutions, NHS procurement in London is an open, transparent, and multi-billion-pound ecosystem of opportunity. Looking to win NHS contracts in London? Let HCI guide you.
Understanding NHS Procurement and How It Works
Procurement in the NHS operates through a mixture of local and central systems designed to ensure transparency and value for money. The procurement process involves a series of structured steps, including bid evaluation, contract management, and the use of frameworks, to help suppliers navigate and engage effectively with NHS organizations.
Each NHS trust or ICS acts as its own contracting authority, responsible for sourcing goods and services that meet its operational needs. Increasingly, London’s ICSs collaborate to share procurement resources and run joint tenders—reducing duplication and driving operational efficiencies through these collaborative processes.
At the national level, NHS Supply Chain manages bulk purchasing for common goods and consumables, while individual trusts handle specialist and local contracts directly. This blended model means suppliers in London can engage both at the local trust level and through national frameworks, following the necessary processes for supplier integration and contract approval.
Explore how procurement in the NHS works—read more on our healthcare page. Suppliers can engage at different levels depending on the process and requirements of each NHS organization.
Key NHS Frameworks Available to London-Based Suppliers
Framework agreements are the preferred route to market for most NHS organisations, allowing trusts to purchase from pre-approved suppliers efficiently. The most relevant frameworks for London suppliers include:
- NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP): The dedicated hub supporting around 40 NHS organisations in London, covering categories such as Workforce, Estates, Digital Solutions, and Medicines.
- Crown Commercial Service (CCS): National frameworks accessible to the NHS for staffing, IT, and facilities management.
- NHS Supply Chain: Central catalogue tenders for clinical and non-clinical products, including the sourcing and delivery of food items for NHS trusts.
- NHS Shared Business Services (SBS): Frameworks for IT, estates, and corporate services widely used across NHS trusts.
Being framework-ready—with compliance, insurance, and certifications in place—significantly shortens the route to winning NHS contracts.
Need help accessing NHS frameworks? HCI can support your entry.
Where to Find Procurement Opportunities in London’s NHS Trusts
London’s procurement landscape is diverse but increasingly connected. Suppliers should monitor several key portals: An overview of procurement activities is regularly advertised through these platforms, where suppliers can search for tender opportunities and stay informed about upcoming contracts.
- Atamis Health Family Portal: The NHS’s main e-procurement platform, hosting advertised tender opportunities from all London ICSs. Suppliers can search for current tenders and get an overview of upcoming procurements.
- Contracts Finder: Lists public contracts over £25,000, including local NHS opportunities.
- Find a Tender Service (FTS): For higher-value and framework tenders.
- Trust and ICS websites: Useful for market engagement updates and supplier registration details.
In practice, registering on the Atamis portal and setting up keyword alerts for “London NHS” ensures visibility of live tenders across the region.
Monitor active NHS tenders with HCI’s contract tracking services.
Procurement Opportunity Analysis: What Buyers in London Want
Understanding buyer priorities is crucial for success. Procurement teams assess bids based on a range of factors, including the impact of buying decisions on patient care. In 2025 and beyond, London NHS procurement teams evaluate bids based not only on cost but also on social impact and innovation.
Key priorities include:
- Value for Money: Demonstrating efficiency, long-term savings, and measurable return on investment.
- Social Value and Sustainability (ESG): Suppliers must align with the NHS’s Net Zero targets, with at least 10% tender weighting often applied to social value.
- SME Engagement: NHS England and London ICSs are committed to supporting smaller, local suppliers.
- Quality and Clinical Outcomes: Especially for medical and technology procurements, clinical benefit and safety are paramount. Procurement teams assess how buying decisions will directly affect patient care, ensuring that products and services contribute to improved outcomes.
- Collaboration and Flexibility: Buyers favour partners who can scale, integrate, and adapt to evolving needs across multiple trusts. Win more tenders by understanding buyer needs—partner with HCI.
The Role of the NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP)
The NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP) plays a central role in how London trusts buy goods and services. Hosted by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, LPP runs aggregated procurements and manages numerous frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems across the region. These frameworks support the provision and delivery of healthcare services and products, helping NHS organisations meet patient demand and operational targets.
For suppliers, joining an LPP framework opens access to multiple NHS organisations simultaneously. LPP also leads the way in sustainable procurement, embedding social value and Net Zero criteria into all major tenders.
To engage with LPP:
- Register on the Atamis Health Family Portal.
- Look for opportunities where the contracting authority is “Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (on behalf of NHS LPP).”
- Attend pre-market engagement sessions and supplier webinars to build visibility and a network within the NHS procurement community. Learn how HCI helps suppliers qualify for LPP and other NHS frameworks. Get started today.
Preparing to Bid: Compliance and Documentation Requirements
Before entering an NHS procurement in London, ensure your organisation meets the standard compliance and documentation criteria. Typical requirements include:
- Corporate Policies: Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Environmental/Sustainability, and Quality Management.
- Financial Stability: Two to three years of accounts, plus insurance certificates (Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity).
- Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental), Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 (IT security).
- Social Value Plans: A Carbon Reduction Plan and participation in the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment. You may also need to complete required forms or assessments as part of the procurement process.
- Evidence of Experience: Case studies or references, ideally from NHS or other public sector contracts. References should include specific project details such as contract number, start and end dates.
Maintaining a “bid library” of these documents allows quick, consistent responses to opportunities.
The Procurement Act 2023: What It Means for London Suppliers
The Procurement Act 2023 has modernised public sector procurement across the UK, making the system simpler and more transparent.
For London NHS suppliers, key benefits include:
- Simplified procedures that allow greater dialogue and flexibility.
- “Open frameworks”—meaning new suppliers can join at set intervals.
- A single central digital platform to find and manage all tenders.
- Improved feedback mechanisms for unsuccessful bidders.
- Mandatory 30-day payment terms through the entire supply chain.
These reforms make NHS procurement more accessible for suppliers of all sizes. Being proactive now—by registering on relevant portals and aligning with new compliance requirements—will position your business for success under the new regime.
How HCI Contracts Supports NHS Suppliers in London
HCI Contracts simplifies how suppliers connect with NHS opportunities. Our platform provides:
- Access to one of the UK’s largest databases of healthcare tenders.
- Intelligent tools for framework discovery, market tracking, and compliance management.
- Expert guidance to help you prepare and submit competitive NHS bids across London’s trusts and ICSs.
Whether you’re new to NHS procurement or looking to expand your presence in the capital, HCI helps you navigate frameworks, monitor live tenders, and stay fully compliant with evolving regulations. Start your NHS supplier journey—speak to an HCI expert today.
Ready to Win NHS Contracts in London?
With billions spent annually and an ever-growing focus on innovation and social value, NHS procurement in London remains one of the most dynamic opportunities for UK suppliers. By understanding the local landscape—its frameworks, buyer priorities, and compliance needs—you can position your business for sustained growth.
HCI Contracts gives you the insight, data, and tools to compete confidently in this market.
Don’t miss out on NHS tenders in London. Request a callback from HCI today.