How to win NHS contracts via tenders and frameworks

When many SMEs aim to win NHS tenders or secure NHS contracts, they may imagine a single NHS tender portal where they can register and access everything. In truth, procurement spans more than ten major NHS organisations, each operating distinct frameworks, dynamic purchasing systems or direct tenders. To truly access all NHS tenders and contracts and increase your chances to win NHS contracts, SMEs should register on multiple platforms and review each NHS procurement body thoroughly.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest publicly funded healthcare systems globally and a major public sector buyer of goods and services. For UK SMEs, successfully winning NHS tenders presents a significant route to growth, offering long‑term opportunities across clinical and non‑clinical categories. However, NHS procurement is governed by specific frameworks, compliance requirements and regional structures. This guide provides a step‑by‑step approach to help SMEs access NHS procurement opportunities.

Understanding NHS Procurement Structure

Understanding NHS Procurement Structure
NHS procurement is decentralised and operates through multiple regional and national bodies. These organisations each manage frameworks and NHS contracts for tender, using dynamic purchasing systems and direct tendering to maintain transparency, value for money and supplier engagement. That means there is no single NHS tender portal but rather many avenues to access NHS tenders and contracts.

Key NHS Procurement Organisations

• NHS Supply Chain (SCCL)
• NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS)
• NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP)
• NHS North of England CPC (NOE CPC)
• East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub (EOE CPH)
• NHS Commercial Solutions
• Peninsula Purchasing and Supply Alliance (PPSA)
• HealthTrust Europe (HTE)
• NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP)
• NHS National Services Scotland – National Procurement
• HSCNI Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS) in Northern Ireland

Tips on how to access NHS tenders

Register on Procurement Portals
To view and bid for NHS tenders, SMEs should register on key portals. Start with Contracts Finder, which allows suppliers to search public sector contracts worth over £12,000, track future opportunities and view previous awards, with optional email alerts and saved search tools. For higher‑value contracts (usually above £139,688 including VAT), you’ll need to use Find a Tender (FTS), the UK government’s central portal for public procurement notices, which covers everything from contract notices and ITTs to award notices. If you plan to operate in Scotland, register on Public Contracts Scotland, a secure national portal offering free access for suppliers to search opportunities, submit quick‑quote bids and download tender documents via a secure post‑box. In addition, be aware of several other important portals: the NHS Supply Chain Portal (for clinical and consumable procurement), Bravo eTendering platforms (used by regional hubs such as LPP and NOE CPC), NHS Wales eTendering, and eTendersNI—all of which host specific NHS and regional tenders beyond those published on the central systems.

Join NHS Framework Agreements
Frameworks are pre‑approved supplier lists used across NHS procurement. Joining one grants access to repeat business and significantly increases your chances to win NHS contracts. Key frameworks include Workforce Alliance Frameworks (for staffing and recruitment), NHS SBS frameworks (covering corporate and digital services), NOE CPC Clinical Services Frameworks, NHS Supply Chain Catalogue Frameworks, LPP Estates, Digital and Clinical Frameworks, and the DFO and G‑Cloud frameworks for IT services. For a comprehensive list of all NHS frameworks and lots available, visit www.bid‑able.com.

Meet Compliance and Accreditation Requirements
To bid for NHS tenders and contracts, SMEs may be required to meet NHS standards such as Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 9001, the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit, CQC registration (where applicable), and DBS clearance for workforce supply. These requirements ensure suppliers demonstrate cyber resilience, quality management, data protection and regulatory oversight—each of which strengthens your position when competing for NHS contracts.

Build Partnerships with Prime Contractors
Larger suppliers often subcontract from NHS frameworks. SMEs can benefit by partnering on consortium bids or offering niche/local services to improve their ability to win NHS tenders.

Prepare a Strong Tender Submission
Successful bids typically include:
• Full compliance with mandatory requirements
• Clear alignment with NHS objectives (value, outcomes, efficiency)
• Proven track record and performance data
• Strong social value commitments (local employment, carbon reduction)

NHS Supplier Engagement Events & Forums

Attend NHS Supplier Engagement Events and Forums

If you're looking to supply the NHS, one of the best ways to build relationships and stay ahead of the curve is by attending supplier events. These forums offer direct access to procurement teams, updates on future opportunities, and insights into what the NHS is looking for from its suppliers.

NHS Supply Chain Events and Webinars
NHS Supply Chain regularly runs national and regional supplier engagement forums, such as the Advisory Forum for the North or East of England. They also host webinars on key topics like sustainability and innovation. These events often feature procurement leaders sharing updates on upcoming projects, and they give SMEs a chance to ask questions or raise ideas. You can check their events calendar at supplychain.nhs.uk.

Events from Regional NHS Procurement Hubs
Across England, regional hubs like NHS London Procurement Partnership (LPP), NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC), NHS Commercial Solutions, East of England CPH and Peninsula PSA regularly hold ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions and webinars. These events help suppliers understand upcoming frameworks and how to prepare for them. NHS LPP, for instance, recently hosted a webinar with techUK to guide SMEs on market access. Keep an eye on their websites and partners such as techUK for event announcements, particularly if your business operates in areas like digital services, estates or workforce solutions.

National Procurement Expos
Larger events like P4H England and P4H Scotland are excellent opportunities to meet NHS buyers from multiple organisations in one place. These annual conferences feature workshops, networking zones and sessions tailored for new suppliers. Events like Procurex Wales and Procurex Northern Ireland are similar in scope and bring together procurement teams from across the public sector, including health. These expos are ideal for building visibility and understanding the NHS procurement landscape.

Supplier Forums in the Devolved Nations
In Wales, the NHS Shared Services Partnership works closely with Business Wales to deliver supply chain roadshows and training sessions, specifically designed for local SMEs. In 2025, they ran a series of summits focused on helping businesses understand how to access public contracts. In Scotland, the Supplier Development Programme hosts the annual Meet the Buyer event, which features NHS National Services Scotland and local health boards. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the HSCNI Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS) runs targeted meet-the-buyer days for suppliers in specific sectors such as IT. These regional events are a valuable way to meet procurement leads, ask questions, and get on the radar before tenders are published.

Register on Online Procurement Portals & Tender Systems

Register on Key NHS Procurement Portals

To stay ahead of NHS tender opportunities, SMEs should register on the main procurement portals used across the UK. This ensures you won’t miss relevant contracts, early market engagement notices, or framework renewals.

Atamis (Health Family eCommercial System)
England is moving towards a single e-procurement platform for NHS contracts known as Atamis. All NHS England tenders, including those from NHS trusts, NHS Supply Chain, and collaborative procurement hubs, are now published through this system. By creating an account, you can view live opportunities, track procurement pipelines, and set up alerts based on your services. Atamis also includes an Evergreen Supplier Registration process, which asks for sustainability credentials in line with NHS Net Zero goals. Registering here is fast becoming essential for suppliers targeting NHS contracts in England.

Contracts Finder and Find a Tender
You should also register on the UK Government’s Contracts Finder and Find a Tender services. Contracts Finder covers lower-value public sector tenders and prior information notices, while Find a Tender lists higher-value opportunities across the UK. Many NHS bodies advertise notices here before redirecting you to the relevant e-sourcing platform. For example, NHS SBS uses Find a Tender alongside the SAP Ariba network for submission, and NHS Supply Chain uses Jaggaer. Always check the tender instructions for registration details, as you may need to use different platforms depending on the buyer.

Devolved Nation Procurement Portals
In Wales, all NHS tenders are listed on Sell2Wales, where you can create alerts and track framework renewals issued by NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP).
In Scotland, suppliers should register on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), which hosts tenders from NHS National Procurement and individual health boards. PCS also links to the PCS-Tender portal for bid submissions.
In Northern Ireland, health and social care tenders are published on eTendersNI. Register there to view opportunities and set up notifications.

Tip: Make full use of filtering tools and email alerts within each portal to stay on top of relevant contracts without needing to check manually every day.

NHS Consultation Opportunities

Use Feedback Channels to Shape Future NHS Procurement

NHS procurement organisations are increasingly welcoming feedback from suppliers, especially SMEs. By taking part in consultation forums, feedback sessions and industry groups, SMEs can raise their profile and help influence how future NHS tenders are structured.

SME Advisory Groups and Forums
NHS England has created an SME Advisory Group that brings together small business representatives to identify common barriers and improve SME access to NHS contracts. The group meets regularly with NHS Commercial and NHS Supply Chain leaders to provide strategic input. While formal membership is limited, NHS England also holds broader SME Forums—often in partnership with groups like techUK—that are open to all interested SMEs. These forums are a good opportunity to share your experience, ask questions, and hear directly from decision-makers on topics like procurement reform and new legislation under the Procurement Act. NHS England encourages open dialogue and invites SMEs to help improve the way the system works—so if you’re invited to contribute, take them up on it.

Trade Association Engagement
If you're a member of a trade association, consider using it as a route into NHS procurement discussions. NHS Supply Chain runs a Trade Association Engagement Programme that connects industry bodies with NHS category teams. These discussions cover important topics such as contract design, tender requirements, and barriers to entry. Trade bodies are often invited to roundtables and consultations, giving you a voice via your association. Similarly, some regional procurement hubs consult with industry-specific supplier groups, so being active in your sector community may open further doors.

Direct Feedback and Enquiries
Several NHS procurement organisations offer dedicated contact points for supplier questions and feedback.

• In Wales, you can reach out to NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) for queries about frameworks and opportunities.
• In Scotland, the government operates a Single Point of Enquiry service where suppliers can raise concerns or ask for clarification on public procurement matters.
• If you’re unsure about any aspect of a live tender—such as contract size, complexity, or entry requirements—these routes can help you challenge or query issues constructively.

Finally, always ask for feedback after submitting a bid, whether successful or not. NHS buyers are required to provide it on request, and under the NHS SME Action Plan, you have a right to receive constructive feedback. It’s a simple but effective way to learn and show procurement teams that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

NHS Procurement Pipeline & Tender Tracking

Track Procurement Pipelines and Tender Alerts

Looking ahead is key to winning NHS contracts. By following procurement pipelines and setting up tender alerts, SMEs can prepare in advance and avoid last-minute bids.

Published Pipelines
Many NHS procurement bodies now share forward plans to help suppliers prepare. Atamis, the NHS’s central procurement platform in England, includes a pipeline feature showing upcoming opportunities across NHS trusts, NHS Supply Chain, and regional hubs. Once registered, you can view future opportunities and start preparing before the tenders go live. NHS England also encourages buyers to publish pipelines in line with the Procurement Act 2023, helping SMEs anticipate and plan their engagement.

Regional Pipeline Resources

• NHS Supply Chain shares sourcing work plans and future category opportunities via newsletters and supplier forums.
• NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) publishes a forward contract programme on Sell2Wales, allowing SMEs to see when current frameworks are due for renewal.
• Northern Ireland’s Department of Health lists upcoming procurements on the Investment Strategy NI website, with further detail available through the BSO PaLS pipeline pages.
• Scotland’s NHS National Services Scotland may not publish a central pipeline, but upcoming contracts are often flagged via Prior Information Notices (PINs) on Public Contracts Scotland. You can also spot forward-looking content during NHS participation in annual Meet-the-Buyer events.

Set Up Tender Alerts
Rather than checking sites manually, use the alerts features built into all key platforms. On Contracts Finder, you can save searches by keyword or sector. Sell2Wales, PCS and eTendersNI also let you set CPV-code-based alerts to notify you of new opportunities.
Follow NHS procurement organisations on LinkedIn and Twitter—many announce upcoming tenders, PINs, or engagement events via social media. Watch for market engagement notices too—these allow you to give early input before tenders are finalised and can help shape opportunities to suit SME capability.

Tip: Treat pipelines and alerts as part of your business development toolkit. The earlier you know what’s coming, the more tailored and competitive your submission can be.

NHS SME Support Programmes and Initiatives

Take Advantage of NHS and Government SME Support

There’s more support available than ever for SMEs looking to supply the NHS. National and regional bodies have introduced a range of initiatives to help smaller businesses break into the public sector. Here’s how you can make the most of them:

NHS SME Action Plan and Policy Commitments
NHS England has published a dedicated SME Action Plan to remove barriers and increase SME participation across NHS procurement. This includes more supplier engagement forums, better visibility of future opportunities, a stronger focus on social value, and a push to simplify procurement documents. NHS buyers are now actively encouraged to break down larger contracts into smaller, SME-friendly lots, and to involve SMEs as subcontractors on bigger frameworks. Your size is an advantage—agility, innovation, and local impact are all qualities the NHS is keen to work with.

SME Support Programmes in England
If you’ve developed a product or service—clinical or non-clinical—that could benefit the NHS, look into the NHS Innovation Service or NHS Supply Chain’s Product Innovation Portal. These channels help suppliers with new ideas navigate procurement and adoption processes. Organisations like techUK and the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA) also run events and training tailored for SMEs, particularly in the tech and estates sectors.
For more direct support, you can contact NHS England’s supplier relationship team at england.supplier@nhs.net—they’re there to help you understand how to access the market and navigate the latest changes.

Business Wales and Welsh Government Support
In Wales, Business Wales offers a comprehensive support service for SMEs looking to supply the NHS. This includes free workshops on how to tender, one-to-one support, and help with understanding new rules under the Procurement Act. The Welsh Government also issues Procurement Policy Notes that promote SME access and set targets for increasing SME involvement across NHS Wales.

Supplier Development Programme (Scotland)
The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is a free initiative funded by the Scottish Government and local authorities. It helps SMEs understand how to tender for public sector contracts, including those with NHS Scotland. SDP runs regular webinars, training sessions, and the annual Meet-the-Buyer event, which includes NHS National Procurement and health boards. Their practical support makes it easier to connect with decision-makers and refine your bidding strategy.

InterTradeIreland (Northern Ireland and Border Regions)
For suppliers in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, InterTradeIreland’s Go-2-Tender programme offers practical workshops and resources on finding and bidding for public contracts, including NHS opportunities. It’s especially useful for SMEs new to public sector work or those bidding across the border. Meanwhile, the BSO PaLS procurement team in Northern Ireland has a good track record of engaging SMEs and structuring tenders to enable smaller providers to compete.

Explore What’s Available Locally
In all parts of the UK, additional support may be available via local enterprise partnerships, mentoring schemes, or chambers of commerce. These can provide tailored advice, funding awareness, or introductions to procurement contacts in your region.

Utilise regional NHS Procurement contacts

Understanding who to speak to in each region can save time and help you make meaningful connections with NHS procurement teams. Here’s where to start:

England – NHS Supply Chain and Regional Hubs
NHS Supply Chain has a Supplier Relationship Management team. Once you’re an approved supplier, you’ll be assigned a category manager, but prospective suppliers can still reach out via the contact forms on their website. Their New Supplier section includes useful guidance and FAQs to help you understand onboarding requirements.
England’s regional procurement hubs—such as LPP, NOE CPC, NHS Commercial Solutions, and others—typically provide supplier contact details on their websites. If you’re interested in a particular framework or want to introduce your service, use their general contact or supplier enquiry email.
It’s also worth connecting professionally with procurement leads on LinkedIn, and joining relevant groups like the NHS Procurement LinkedIn group or attending events hosted by the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA).

Wales – NWSSP Procurement Services
The central procurement body in Wales is the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP). They actively encourage SME engagement and structure frameworks to support smaller suppliers. You can contact them at ProcurementServicesEnquiries@wales.nhs.uk, and their “Our Suppliers” page provides helpful documentation and process guidance.
You can also contact Business Wales on 03000 6 03000 for local support—regional supplier champions may be able to introduce you to NHS Wales contacts or walk you through the registration process.

Scotland – NSS National Procurement
In Scotland, NHS procurement is led by NSS National Procurement, which acts as a central contracting authority. However, each health board also manages its own procurement team.
The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is a great entry point for SMEs—they host events that feature NHS procurement representatives and provide practical support on how to engage. If you encounter difficulties with the process, the Scottish Government also offers a Single Point of Enquiry (SPoE) service. Additionally, their online Supplier Journey resource includes detailed steps for getting started with public procurement in Scotland.

Northern Ireland – HSCNI PaLS
In Northern Ireland, the Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS) within the Business Services Organisation is the main procurement authority for health services. Each Health Trust has local procurement teams, but the main office in Belfast is a good first point of contact.
Look out for sourcing contact details in individual contract notices on Find a Tender, or visit the Department of Health website for broader procurement guidance and pipeline information. You can also connect via local business networks such as the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce or FSB NI, which often host events attended by PaLS staff.

Build Relationships Over Time
Whatever your region, consistency is key. Reach out professionally, follow up after events or initial conversations, and build your understanding of NHS priorities. Over time, your business can become a familiar and trusted presence in the NHS procurement ecosystem.

Conclusion

Accessing the full range of NHS tenders and contracts requires preparation, compliance and persistence. By registering on multiple NHS tender portals, joining frameworks, meeting standards, and building relationships, SMEs can significantly improve their ability to win NHS contracts. With decentralised procurement and increasing focus on social value, now is an ideal time for SMEs to position themselves to bid and win NHS tenders.

Entering the NHS supply chain as an SME may seem daunting, but a proactive and informed approach can make all the difference. By networking at events, registering on the proper portals, staying alert to future opportunities, and leveraging SME support initiatives, you can significantly raise your profile with NHS buyers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Remember that the NHS is actively seeking the innovation and agility that SMEs offer and policies are in place to encourage your participation. Whether your company provides IT services, facility management, medical devices, or any other solution, there is a pathway for you in NHS procurement. Use this engagement plan as a roadmap, adapt it to your sector and region, and approach NHS procurement with confidence. With persistence and engagement, your SME can grow its presence and succeed in winning NHS contracts – contributing to better healthcare outcomes while growing your business.

How we can help

Navigating NHS procurement can feel overwhelming, especially for SMEs unfamiliar with the fragmented landscape of portals, frameworks, and purchasing systems. That’s where we come in.

We provide a guided pathway into the NHS and wider public sector by helping you understand which frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) are relevant to your business and how to access them. Rather than relying on guesswork or generic platforms, we help you build a focused strategy based on what your competitors are doing, what buyers are purchasing, and how your offering aligns with their needs.

You’ll receive direct support identifying live and upcoming tenders, spotting framework entry points, and tracking awarded contracts that may be re-tendered soon. We assess your current compliance status, map out the most effective routes to market, and take care of the admin so you can concentrate on delivery.

Our approach is designed to minimise the load on your team. With just a small amount of input from you, we can accelerate your access to public sector contracts and put you in a strong position to win long-term NHS opportunities without needing to master the procurement system yourself.

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