NHS England has launched the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) action plan.
The plan is the culmination of the first year working with the SE Advisory Group.
The purpose of the SME Advisory Group has been to advise the NHS Commercial team and the wider system, on issues affecting SMEs in doing business with the NHS and on improving the opportunities for SMEs to engage with and compete for NHS business.
The plan sets out how the NHS will help to deliver on its commitment to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enable the NHS to benefit from their significant value and contribution to patient care.
This will require different parts of the NHS to work together to harness the expertise of SMEs through the SME Advisory Group and use this to fundamentally change the way that the NHS does business with this vital sub-group of suppliers.
The plan sets out five commitments, including continuing to give small and medium enterprises a clear voice and lead the activities of the SME Advisory Group and better engaging with the small and medium enterprise community.
The other commitments are to improve visibility of the NHS opportunities and encourage small and medium enterprise’s participation in our commercial activity; leverage the innovation power of small and medium enterprises for the benefit of the NHS; and maximise the small and medium enterprise opportunity arising from social value.
Jacqui Rock, chief commercial officer, NHS England and chair of the SME Advisory Group said: "I am delighted to launch the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) action plan, as the culmination of our first year working with the SME Advisory Group. The purpose of the SME Advisory Group, over the past 12 months, has been to advise myself, the NHS Commercial team, and the wider system, on issues affecting SMEs in doing business with the NHS and on improving the opportunities for SMEs to engage with and compete for NHS business. The SME community has a more significant role than ever in supporting our health service to deliver on its priorities for patients and staff. Over the next 2 years, I look forward to delivering on the objectives outlined in this plan and making the NHS a place where SMEs can thrive, for the benefit of our patients."
