DHSC Steps Up Engagement with MedTech Suppliers as New Strategy and SME Initiatives Launch

Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, highlights the latest efforts by government and its agencies to engage with MedTech suppliers, SMEs and their trade associations.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), working closely with NHS England and NHS Supply Chain, is seeking significantly to increase its engagement with the UK’s MedTech sector – especially small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). This renewed focus comes as part of a wider effort to improve how innovation reaches the health system and to make the commercial environment more navigable for suppliers.

A New MedTech Commercial Strategy: industry’s chance to shape it

DHSC and NHS England are jointly developing a new MedTech Commercial Strategy to address, challenges in procurement, market access, and innovation adoption because the current landscape is widely recognised, they say, as “fragmented and challenging to navigate” – not only for NHS buyers, but also for suppliers seeking consistent routes into the system.

To ensure the strategy reflects industry needs, suppliers are being invited to contribute directly by completing a dedicated survey and attending one of two upcoming supplier webinars on 12^th February and 10^th March. Both sessions will cover the same material, offering flexibility for participants.

Suppliers are encouraged to complete the DHSC survey by 6 March 2026, providing feedback on challenges, priorities, and opportunities for improving the MedTech procurement ecosystem.

This is a valuable opportunity for companies of all sizes to influence the future commercial environment and help shape a more streamlined, responsive NHS–industry interface.

Dedicated SME Engagement: Launch of the DHSC SME Action Plan

In addition to the strategy work, DHSC and NHS England are launching a targeted engagement event on 26^th February specifically for SMEs – recognising the essential role smaller innovators play in accelerating new technologies and strengthening UK supply resilience.

The session will introduce:

• The new DHSC SME Action Plan,
• The Health Family SME spend target, signalling increased commitment to SME participation, and
• A practical guide, Doing business with the health sector, aimed at helping SMEs better understand routes to market, procurement processes, and buyer expectations.

This event is designed to demystify the procurement landscape and provide SMEs with tools, contacts, and clarity to engage more confidently with the health sector.

What This Means for Suppliers

For medical device suppliers – particularly SMEs – these developments represent a meaningful shift in how government and the NHS intend to collaborate with industry. Increased transparency, clearer guidance, and more opportunities to engage early in strategic planning are all positive steps toward a more accessible and predictable market environment.

Suppliers looking to expand their footprint within the NHS or bring new innovations to market should take full advantage of these touchpoints. By participating, companies have the chance not only to stay ahead of policy change but also directly to influence how future procurement and commercial pathways are designed.

The author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be Addressed to [email protected].

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