The Future of NHS Procurement and Digital Transformation: Why Now is the Time to Engage
How Suppliers Can Thrive in the NHS’s New Procurement and Digital Era
The NHS is at a pivotal moment. With one of the most significant restructures in recent history underway—including the dissolution of NHS England and the shift in procurement powers to individual NHS Trusts—2025 marks the beginning of a new era for healthcare delivery in the UK. As the NHS embarks on its ambitious 10-Year Plan, there is a growing urgency for suppliers, innovators, and healthcare professionals to align with this transformation.
At the centre of this evolution is the opportunity for tech providers to position themselves not just as suppliers, but as long-term strategic partners in reshaping the NHS.
Decentralised Procurement: A More Agile NHS
For years, centralised procurement limited supplier engagement, often slowing the uptake of innovation. But with procurement power now returning to individual NHS Trusts, the landscape is becoming more decentralised and dynamic. This shift offers new routes for suppliers to engage directly with Trusts, fostering more tailored, responsive purchasing decisions.
More autonomy for Trusts means faster decision-making and the ability to adopt technologies that meet local needs. However, this also means suppliers must adjust their strategies, develop new relationships, and navigate a more complex, fragmented procurement system. Those who succeed will enjoy a clear competitive edge.
Events like HETT (Healthcare Excellence Through Technology) offer the perfect platform to meet decision-makers, showcase your solutions, and begin building the relationships needed to thrive in this new procurement era.
The NHS 10-Year Plan: A Blueprint for Transformation
The government’s 10-Year Plan is more than a vision—it’s a call to action. By October 2025, implementation will be well underway, creating concrete opportunities for technology providers to support real-world changes. The Plan centres on five key goals:
Tackling health inequalities through better access and community care
Expanding mental health services to reduce wait times and meet rising demand
Improving integration across primary, secondary, and community care
Addressing workforce shortages with better recruitment and support
Driving digital transformation, with AI, automation, and data analytics at the forefront
Tech suppliers who can align with these goals will find a receptive audience in NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). Whether your solution lies in remote monitoring, workforce management, or AI diagnostics, the NHS is actively seeking partners who can help execute this plan at scale.
A £192 Billion Opportunity: Navigating NHS Procurement Routes
The NHS budget for 2024/25 is projected to reach £192 billion, with £35 billion flowing through NHS Commercial to over 80,000 suppliers. Despite the complexities and rigid procurement rules, the rewards of breaking into this market can be significant.
How to Sell to the NHS:
Direct to Trusts and ICSs: Take advantage of devolved procurement authority for more direct access.
Through the NHS Supply Chain: Join the official supplier network for broader reach.
National Frameworks & Government Contracts: Participate in collaborative purchasing agreements and open tenders.
The introduction of ICSs in 2022 has added another route, creating stronger local partnerships that blend health and care, making entry points for suppliers more diverse but also more targeted.
To succeed, marketing is critical. A strong website with specialist landing pages, case studies, ROI-focused content, and gated whitepapers will boost credibility. Email and telemarketing campaigns—if well-timed and properly targeted—can open doors. But above all, presence at trade shows is essential for visibility and relationship-building.
Why HETT Matters More Than Ever
HETT isn’t just another healthcare event. It’s the meeting ground for those shaping the next decade of the NHS—buyers, decision-makers, and digital transformation leaders. Whether your expertise is in automation, AI, data analytics, or patient engagement, HETT provides the platform to:
Showcase solutions directly to NHS buyers
Build relationships with procurement and transformation leaders
Establish your presence in the NHS market at a critical time
With a special AI Spotlight and focus areas aligned with NHS priorities, HETT is where real discussions and decisions happen.
Marketing to the NHS: Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Marketing to the NHS is tough. The sector is vast, risk-averse, and governed by complex commissioning rules. To succeed, your brand must earn trust and demonstrate value.
Start with a professional, informative website, supported by data-rich content and clear evidence of ROI. Avoid jargon. Instead, clearly articulate how your product or service solves a tangible NHS problem.
Trade shows like HETT are where momentum begins. Exhibiting gives you the visibility to cut through noise and compete with established players. It also allows you to gather intelligence on what NHS leaders are truly looking for in this new procurement model.
The Time to Act Is Now
The NHS is spending, innovating, and changing at a faster pace than ever. Procurement models are shifting, digital transformation is accelerating, and the 10-Year Plan is becoming reality.
For suppliers and innovators, this is a rare moment of alignment—when funding, demand, and opportunity all converge. Those who act now will be the ones leading tomorrow.
👉 Join us at HETT in London and position your organisation at the heart of NHS transformation.