How SMEs Can Get Involved in the New Hospital Programme: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

The UK Government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP) represents the most significant investment in NHS infrastructure in decades — and it’s bringing major opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a wide range of sectors.

With a long-term pipeline of projects valued at £37 billion over 12 years, this is not just a construction initiative — it’s a national mission to modernise healthcare and strengthen supply chains for years to come.

A Vision for Modern, Community-First Healthcare

Launched alongside the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for England (3 July 2025), NHP is central to transforming the NHS — delivering care closer to home, prioritising prevention, and making digital the default.

This means building hospitals that:

• Support virtual wards and shared diagnostics
• Extend outpatient services beyond hospital walls
• Are designed from day one with digital capability
• Promote health equity and sustainable infrastructure

The NHP is about more than buildings. It’s a core enabler of the UK’s healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure strategies — positioning health investment as a national priority, not a one-off project.

Why SMEs Are Critical to the Programme

To deliver this ambitious vision, the NHP will depend on a diverse, agile, and skilled supply chain. SMEs are essential — bringing innovation, specialist skills, and regional knowledge.

Whether you’re in construction, digital health, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, or green technologies — there’s a place for you in the New Hospital Programme.

How to Get Involved in the NHP Supply Chain

If your business wants to play a part in shaping the future of the NHS, here are the three key steps to take:

1. Explore Supply Chain Resources

Start by understanding the programme and what’s needed.

• Read the NHP Supplier Guide – learn about Hospital 2.0, supply chain goals, and the workforce skills in demand.
• Watch the NHP Market Briefing (Jan 2025) – hear from key leaders including Karin Smyth MP, Natalie Forrest (COO), and Morag Stuart (Chief Programme Officer).
• Visit the NHP page on CompeteFor – find news, event content, and access the Skills Hub

2. Register for Contract Opportunities

• Contracts Finder – to access direct NHS and NHP contract opportunities.
• CompeteFor – build or update your free supplier profile to connect with Hospital 2.0 Alliance partners.

These tools will help your business get visibility and compete for relevant work packages — whether large or small.

3. Stay Engaged and Informed

Sign up for the NHP Industry Bulletin and receive the latest programme news and supply chain updates.
Complete the Supply Market Survey to express interest and help shape engagement with SMEs.
Follow the NHP on LinkedIn for real-time updates, events, and insights.

Ready to Join the Future of Healthcare?

The New Hospital Programme isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a chance for UK businesses to help redefine healthcare delivery for generations. SMEs have a vital role to play, and the opportunity is open now.

Questions?
Reach out to the NHP Markets & Supply Chain Team at nhp.suppliers@nhs.net