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Learn about the world of NHS Procurement at the Knowledge Network

Written by Paula Devine | 26 Oct 2012

The National Health Service spends billions of pounds each year on products and services. The University’s Knowledge Network takes a look at the NHS’s procurement process, on 29 November, to find out how local small businesses can compete to become NHS suppliers.

The Knowledge Network welcomes guest speaker Howard Rolfe, NHS Director of Procurement, East of England, to the Putteridge Bury campus near Luton, to discuss the services and products the NHS buys in and how Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can become NHS suppliers. Did you know that the majority of suppliers to the NHS are SMEs?

You don’t need to be a large corporation and it’s easier than you may think to become an approved supplier. Its supply chain manages the purchasing and delivery of more than 620,000 products - from everyday goods like stationery and bed linen to high-end clinical equipment. Howard's talk will cover

  • Current opportunities for SMEs
  • NHS procurement structure and process
  • The Carruthers Review and potential outcomes
  • Innovation and SMEs
  • Previous Carruthers report on innovation and how that has made a difference

Howard’s career spans some 30 years and before leading the East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub, he was Vice Chairman of the Hub’s Supervisory Board and a senior executive with Marks and Spencer. Howard spent two years in the Cabinet Office, during which time he chaired the 1998 Review of Procurement within the NHS and is now a member of the National NHS Procurement Council.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into the NHS and network with one of the organisation’s most influential procurement figures. This event is being hosted by the University's Knowledge Network – which offers support to businesses.

Welcome Reception from 5:30pm, talk from 6.00-7.15pm with wine, buffet and networking opportunities afterwards. Tickets cost £20 for Knowledge Network members (£30 for non members) and includes wine and buffet. Spaces are limited so call 0800 328 5334 or email knowledge@beds.ac.uk to book your place.

The Knowledge Network is organised to help companies grow their businesses. Its aim is to provide a supportive framework enabling local businesses and entrepreneurs to develop new business relationships, to learn from peers and to share knowledge and experience. Visit the Knowledge Network to find out more about future guest speakers: http://www.theknowledgenetwork.co.uk/

Topics: Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, East Anglia, networking, offices, News, procurement, Uncategorized, University of Bedfordshire

Paula Devine

Written by Paula Devine

Paula is Head of Membership and Global Services at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

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