At the BHTA Joint Section Meeting 2026, held on 18 June at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, members heard from Bill Lee, Head of Policy & Compliance at the BHTA, who delivered a practical session exploring how the BHTA complaints process works in practice.

Using anonymised case studies and the latest complaints data, Bill demonstrated how complaints are assessed under the BHTA Code of Practice, highlighting the importance of evidence, communication, and proportionate decision-making.

Understanding the complaints process

The presentation opened with an overview of the BHTA complaints process, which provides a consistent framework for handling complaints made under the BHTA Code of Practice. Each complaint is assessed on its individual merits, with companies given the opportunity to resolve issues directly where appropriate. Where a complaint cannot be resolved and meets the relevant criteria, it may proceed to independent arbitration.

The seven stages of the BHTA complaints process are shown below.

Complaint trends and insights

Bill also shared complaints data covering 2024, 2025, and 2026 year-to-date.

Across the three reporting periods, BHTA recorded 149 complaint records, including 39 formal complaints. Complaint volumes peaked in 2025, which also recorded the fastest average resolution time at 27.5 days.

Looking across BHTA sections, the Mobility Group (Retailer) recorded the highest number of complaints in each reporting period, while Stairlifts & Access consistently ranked second. Bill noted that these figures should be viewed in the context of the size and activity of each section rather than as a measure of performance.

Refund or price reduction disputes and goods not being of satisfactory quality consistently featured among the most common reasons for complaints. Email remained the most common method of submitting complaints, while many cases did not progress beyond the initial review stage, reflecting the importance of early engagement and effective communication.

Learning from real complaints

Bill brought the complaints process to life through anonymised case studies, illustrating the range of issues that can arise and how complaints are assessed in practice.

One case involved a mobility accessory that detached during normal use. As the customer had reported concerns before the item was lost and the product was considered not fit for its intended purpose, the complaint was upheld and the supplier agreed to provide a replacement.

Another case highlighted the importance of clear communication around aftercare. After a customer opted out of marketing literature, they did not receive information about extending their stairlift warranty. The supplier accepted that the distinction between marketing and essential aftercare had not been sufficiently clear and offered the warranty at the original price.

Members also heard about a complaint relating to specialist equipment that had been subject to numerous service visits over several years. While the customer remained dissatisfied, the evidence showed that the supplier had continued to investigate concerns, attend appointments, and carry out remedial work, so the complaint was not upheld.

The final example followed a complaint about a rise-and-recline chair that progressed to independent arbitration. The arbitrator found that responsibility for providing a product fit for purpose remained with the supplier, resulting in the complaint being partially upheld and an award being made for inconvenience.

Collectively, the case studies reinforced the importance of BHTA members and suppliers maintaining comprehensive records, communicating clearly with customers, and resolving concerns as early as possible wherever practical. For consumers, these steps help support fairer outcomes, clearer expectations, and greater confidence when issues arise.

Complaint handling as part of good practice

Bill closed by positioning complaints as a practical source of learning for members, showing how issues can arise from product performance, communication, aftercare, record keeping, or customer expectations. The session underlined the role of clear processes in supporting fair outcomes and maintaining confidence in the standards expected of BHTA members.

At the BHTA Joint Section Meeting 2026, held on 18 June 2026 at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, delegates heard from Rachel Russell, Head of Regional Advice at Foundations.

Her session introduced the Home Adaptations Installer Network (HAIN), a new initiative designed to improve confidence in home adaptations by creating a national network of accredited installers. Rachel explored why trusted contractors are essential to the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process and how HAIN aims to benefit householders, installers, and local authorities alike.

Why trusted installers matter

Opening the session, Rachel highlighted the growing importance of the DFG, noting that government investment has increased from around £230 million in 2013 to £733 million today. She explained that this reflects the increasing recognition of home adaptations as a key part of helping people live independently and supporting wider prevention across health and social care.

While contractors play a vital role in delivering adaptations, Rachel noted that they are often overlooked within the wider process. Although government guidance encourages local authorities to maintain lists of qualified contractors, many authorities still do not have formal accredited lists in place.

She outlined the challenges this creates for each stakeholder. For householders, finding installers with the specialist knowledge, empathy, and professionalism needed to work safely and respectfully in people’s homes can be difficult. For installers, differing registration requirements across local authorities create unnecessary administrative burdens, while inconsistent pipelines of work can make it harder to plan ahead. Local authorities, meanwhile, face significant resource demands in vetting contractors, maintaining approved lists, and managing complaints.

Introducing the Home Adaptations Installer Network

To address these challenges, Foundations has worked with TrustMark Scheme Provider Diversity to establish the Home Adaptations Installer Network.

The network provides a single, nationally recognised route for installers undertaking DFG work, giving local authorities access to vetted contractors while providing consumers with greater confidence when selecting an installer.

Rachel explained that all HAIN members are TrustMark registered and undergo comprehensive vetting, including financial and insurance checks, verification of qualifications and memberships, consumer review assessments, DBS checks, and director checks.

Members also commit to a Code of Practice covering clear quotations, respectful customer service, health and safety standards, insurance and guarantees, DBS requirements, and a transparent complaints process. Installers who fail to meet these standards can be removed from the scheme.

Benefits across the sector

Rachel described HAIN as delivering benefits for everyone involved in the adaptations process.

For householders, the network offers reassurance that installers have specialist knowledge of home adaptations, have been independently vetted, and are supported by appropriate insurance, warranties, and a national complaints process.

For installers, a single registration process removes the need to complete multiple local authority applications, while increasing visibility to councils and consumers looking for trusted contractors. Members also gain access to ongoing technical guidance, training opportunities, and continuing professional development.

Local authorities benefit from access to a ready-made network of accredited installers without the administrative burden of carrying out their own vetting processes. Rachel explained that this can help reduce risk, improve consistency, and support faster delivery of DFG adaptations. The service is provided free of charge to local authorities.

Looking ahead, Rachel said the ambition is for the network to support not only DFG work but also the wider private home adaptations market, making it easier for older and disabled people to find trusted installers regardless of how their adaptations are funded.

The session highlighted the importance of collaboration in improving access to high-quality home adaptations. By bringing together installers, local authorities, and householders within a shared framework of quality and accountability, HAIN aims to raise standards, build confidence, and support more timely delivery of adaptations that enable people to live safely and independently at home.

As UK MedTech policy continues to evolve, BHTA members have an important opportunity to hear directly from Paul Griffiths, Head of Policy and Implementation, MedTech Directorate, at the BHTA Joint Section Meeting 2026.

Paul will deliver the opening keynote, ‘UK MedTech Strategy Update’, exploring the latest developments shaping UK MedTech policy, innovation adoption, procurement reform, and implementation priorities. The session will provide valuable insight into the strategic direction of the sector and what future policy developments could mean for healthcare businesses.

Ahead of the event, the BHTA spoke with Paul about the key policy updates members should be aware of and why his session will be valuable.

BHTA: What are the key MedTech policy updates that BHTA members should be aware of in 2026?

Paul Griffiths: “We are seeing continued delivery of key programmes of the NHS 10 Year Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Recent highlights include publication of the Value Based Procurement Standard Guidance and the start of the Wave 1 Part IX Drug Tariff renewal assessments.”

BHTA: What does the latest direction of UK MedTech policy mean for healthcare businesses?

Paul Griffiths: “Increased clarity and less friction making the UK, and the NHS in particular, a more attractive place to invest and innovate.”

BHTA: How is the government looking to improve the adoption of innovative MedTech?

Paul Griffiths: “A significant amount of work is underway to improve the way we adopt innovative MedTech. You only have to see progress on developing the National Health Tech Access Programme, standard guidance on Value Based Procurement, and the work on regulatory reform, to see we are committed to driving improvement.”

BHTA: Why should BHTA members attend your session at the Joint Section Meeting?

Paul Griffiths: “This will be an opportunity to get the latest updates and development on policy in the MedTech space.”

BHTA: Will you be sharing any new updates or insights that have not previously been discussed publicly?

Paul Griffiths: “Information is in public domain, for example the recent publication of Value Based Procurement standard guidance.”

For BHTA members, these topics have real relevance. From procurement and regulatory reform to innovation adoption, and NHS priorities, Paul’s keynote will help members better understand the direction of travel for UK MedTech policy.

The BHTA Joint Section Meeting 2026 takes place on 18 June at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. Free to attend for BHTA members, the event will bring together members from across all sections for a day of insight, collaboration, and networking.

Alongside Paul’s opening keynote, the agenda includes expert sessions covering employment law, housing adaptations, disability inclusion, market intelligence, and wider healthcare sector trends.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Paul directly and gain valuable insight into the policy developments shaping the future of the sector.

Register for the BHTA Joint Section Meeting 2026 today.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment as a new member. The company provides specialist healthcare equipment designed to support healthcare professionals and improve patient care across a range of settings.

The BHTA recently caught up with Ronnie McDonald, Managing Director at Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment, to learn more about the company’s work in specialist equipment provision, its focus on patient wellbeing, and why it chose to become part of the BHTA.

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Building specialist equipment expertise over 22 years

Ronnie has spent more than two decades with Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment, building extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector and the needs of the professionals working within it.

“I have been with Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment for 22 years, and my journey into the healthcare sector began with a strong interest in improving patient outcomes through the provision of high-quality specialist equipment,” Ronnie explained.

That long-standing experience continues to shape his focus on practical, reliable support for healthcare providers.

“Over time, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers, which continues to drive my passion for delivering reliable and effective solutions,” he added.

Supporting patient care through clinically effective products

Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment supplies a wide range of specialist products across different care environments. Its product offering includes 24-hour postural management, specialist seating, sleep systems, pressure care, profiling beds, moving and handling equipment, showering and bathing products, and both powered and manual wheelchairs.

“Our ethos centres on delivering high-quality, clinically effective products backed by excellent service and support,” Ronnie commented. “We work closely with NHS trusts, care homes, and community healthcare providers to ensure that the equipment we supply meets the highest standards and genuinely enhances patient wellbeing.”

A recent development for the business has been the creation of a system for re-assigning both paediatric and adult specialist seating, helping local authorities reduce costs and lower their carbon footprint.

Facing supply chain pressures and staying informed on healthcare regulation

Healthcare suppliers are operating in a changing environment, with businesses needing to manage operational pressures while keeping pace with regulatory and clinical developments.

“Like many organisations in the healthcare sector, we face ongoing challenges around supply chain pressures, changes in regulations, and the need to continually adapt to evolving clinical requirements,” Ronnie highlighted.

“The support provided by organisations such as the BHTA is invaluable in helping us stay informed, compliant, and connected within the industry,” he continued.

Why BHTA membership supports credibility and best practice

Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment chose to join the BHTA because of the association’s standing within the healthcare industry and its role in promoting high standards across the sector.

“We chose to become a member of the BHTA as it is a trusted and respected voice within the healthcare industry,” Ronnie explained. “We recognise the value of aligning ourselves with an organisation that promotes best practices, quality standards, and ethical trading.”

BHTA membership also gives the company access to valuable guidance, resources, and opportunities to engage with wider industry developments.

“Being part of the BHTA strengthens our credibility and allows us to contribute to a wider network of like-minded organisations,” he emphasised.

Expanding the product range and strengthening partnerships

Looking ahead, Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment is focused on the next stage of its development.

“Newlyn Healthcare Specialist Equipment is focused on expanding our product range, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to invest in innovation,” Ronnie said. “We are particularly keen to explore new solutions that enhance patient comfort, safety, and independence.”

The company is also planning to attend relevant industry events throughout the year to build its presence across the sector. Ronnie said BHTA events and webinars focused on industry trends, compliance, and innovation are of particular interest, as they offer useful opportunities to stay informed and connected.

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The UK Government has published the King’s Speech 2026, setting out its proposed legislative programme for the next parliamentary session.

Several proposed bills could affect BHTA members, including measures on NHS reform, patient data, cyber security, late payments, competition, and steel supply chains.

One of the most significant announcements for the healthcare sector is the NHS Modernisation Bill, which will abolish NHS England by transferring its functions into the Department of Health and Social Care or the wider system. The bill will also enable a Single Patient Record, allowing people to view their health and social care records securely on the NHS App. This may be relevant to members working in digital health, data, interoperability, or services that may link to the NHS App in future. Members can read the BHTA’s position on the abolition of NHS England for further context.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill would require organisations providing essential services to report more harmful cyber incidents to their regulator and the National Cyber Security Centre within 24 hours, followed by a full report within 72 hours. It would also introduce tougher enforcement, including turnover-based penalties for serious breaches.

The National Security Bill would update the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and create a Cyber Crime Risk Order. This may affect how cyber risks are investigated, prevented, and managed across digital systems and services.

For businesses, the Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill would introduce measures to tackle late payments between businesses. These include maximum payment terms of 60 days, mandatory interest on late payments at eight percent above the Bank of England base rate, and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate poor payment practices, adjudicate disputes, and fine businesses that fail to comply.

The Competition Reform Bill could affect members where competition enforcement, market reviews, or merger activity shape healthcare and assistive technology markets. It would give the CMA Board a role in decisions on mergers and market investigations, aiming to make decision-making more consistent, predictable, and accountable.

The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill provides a route for the government to nationalise steel companies or their operations, provided the public interest test in the legislation is met. The announcement follows wider government measures on steel, including changes due to come into effect from 1 July 2026 that will reduce tariff-free import quotas and introduce a 50 percent tariff on steel imports above these limits. This is relevant to members that manufacture with raw steel or rely on steel as a significant input cost, as the changes could affect costs, availability, procurement decisions, and manufacturing strategies.

The BHTA will continue to monitor the proposed legislation and assess the implications for members as the bills progress through Parliament.

The BHTA is hosting a free webinar at 2pm on 21 May 2026 to examine the current policy and political landscape. It will cover the key announcements from the King’s Speech 2026 and the outcome of the May elections, with a focus on what these developments mean for BHTA members.

Register for the free webinar here.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has produced a new report analysing product spend within the NHS Supply Chain Framework for Artificial Limb Components and Associated Products. This information is exclusively available to BHTA members.

The report has been made possible through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the BHTA to NHS Supply Chain, giving members valuable visibility into NHS procurement activity that is not routinely available.

Covering the period 23 November 2024 to 21 November 2025, the report provides an overview of product spend, usage, monthly activity, and purchasing patterns across the prosthetics framework.

The findings offer members a useful opportunity to better understand procurement trends and market dynamics within the prosthetics sector, supporting informed strategic decision-making.

Members of the Prosthetics and Orthotic Section can download the full report here.

The BHTA Retailers’ Day 2026 brought together mobility and assistive technology retailers from across the UK for a focused day of learning, collaboration, and industry insight. Held on 22 April in Northampton, the event was designed to equip retailers with practical guidance, expert perspectives, and the latest updates to support their businesses and the customers they serve.

The day also included a focused AI panel discussion, exploring how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence mobility and independent living retail, which we have covered in a separate article.

This article highlights the engaging presentations delivered throughout the day. Each session offered valuable takeaways, from improving customer experience, and marketing strategies to navigating regulatory changes and enhancing accessibility across the retail journey.

A line-up of expert speakers

The day featured a strong programme of speakers, each bringing specialist knowledge and real-world experience to the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare retailers today.

Clare Bailey, the founder of The Retail Champion, delivered the keynote session, sharing insights on how retailers can stand out and thrive in an increasingly competitive and customer-driven market.

Jolie and Imali from Inkfire explored how retailers can approach social media more effectively, focusing on choosing the right platforms, and embedding accessibility into digital communications.

Mark Crane, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, led a session on consumer law compliance, outlining key regulatory developments and what they mean for retailers in practice.

Cath Cashman from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) presented on designing an accessible retail journey, drawing on extensive research to highlight barriers and opportunities across both online and in-store experiences.

Standing out in healthcare retail

Clare Bailey’s keynote challenged retailers to raise the bar on customer experience, emphasising that being ‘good’ is no longer enough as expectations rise and customers have more choice.

A core message was the emotional context of healthcare retail: customers are often making difficult, unexpected decisions and are seeking reassurance, not just products. Every touchpoint matters, and the experience does not stop at the till. Websites, phone calls, delivery, and aftercare are all part of one connected journey.

Clare highlighted a common disconnect: retailers sell independence, confidence, and quality of life, but the experience can feel clinical or transactional, requiring a more human and consistent approach.

What makes retailers stand out

• Prioritise clarity over complexity: too much choice can overwhelm customers, and simple communication builds confidence
• Be consistent across all channels so customers experience one coherent brand
• Use digital to support in-store, reduce anxiety, and build trust before a visit

Practical actions for retailers

• Review your store with fresh eyes: is it easy to navigate, welcoming, and designed for conversation?
• Create clearer zones, improve lighting, and provide space for private discussions
• Invest in staff training so teams can handle sensitive conversations, listen well, and help customers feel understood, supported, and in control

Rethinking social media and digital communication

Inkfire’s session offered a refreshing perspective on social media, encouraging retailers to focus less on doing more and more on doing what matters.

A central message was that social media is fundamentally about communication, not performance. Rather than trying to be present on every platform or chasing trends, retailers should prioritise the channels that best align with their audience, capacity, and goals.

Where to focus and why

• Instagram supports visual storytelling
• Facebook helps build community and retention
• LinkedIn builds authority and partnerships
• TikTok/Reels aid discovery but are not essential
• Email remains a high-conversion channel you own

Accessibility was a major theme throughout the session. With disabled spending power, often referred to as the purple pound, worth £274 billion annually, ensuring content is accessible is not only the right thing to do, but also a clear business opportunity. Practical steps such as using alt text, captions, clear formatting, and readable design can make a meaningful difference.

The speakers also highlighted the importance of trust and consistency. Success on social media is less about likes and views, and more about meaningful engagement – such as enquiries, messages, and clicks. Ultimately, content should help customers feel confident in choosing a retailer.

Understanding consumer law and compliance

Mark Crane’s session provided retailers with a clear overview of the evolving consumer law landscape, with a particular focus on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

The session highlighted the increasing enforcement powers available to regulators, including the ability to impose significant fines and sanctions for non-compliance. This reinforces the importance of ensuring that all aspects of a retail business – from pricing, and promotions to customer communications – meet legal requirements.

Key areas of focus included unfair commercial practices, fake reviews, subscription models, pricing transparency, and product claims. Mark explained that claims suggesting a product, service, brand, or business is better for the environment or health must be truthful, clear, fair, meaningful, and backed by evidence. For example, practices such as ‘drip pricing’, misleading promotions, or unsubstantiated claims can expose businesses to risk if not handled correctly.

Mark also highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to compliance across the customer journey, ensuring each stage is clear, fair, and transparent.

Retailers can also refer to the BHTA’s Pricing Practices and Price Transparency policy advice note, produced in association with Addleshaw Goddard, for further support on keeping pricing clear, fair, and compliant.

Designing an accessible retail journey

Cath Cashman’s presentation drew on RiDC’s Re-imagining Retail research, based on 955 survey responses, alongside interviews and a disabled steering group, to understand barriers and improve accessibility across the retail journey.

The research found that 98 percent of disabled people who shop in-store face barriers, one in two regularly abandon shops due to inaccessibility, and 67 percent experience difficulties navigating aisles. Accessibility issues can occur at every stage of the journey, from finding information online to navigating stores and completing purchases.

The session emphasised that the retail journey begins before a customer even leaves their home, with many needing clear information to plan visits, or deciding not to visit at all without it.

In-store, practical improvements such as step-free access, wider aisles, clear signage, seating areas, and accessible facilities can significantly improve the experience. Staff training and awareness are equally important, ensuring that teams are equipped to provide appropriate support and assistance.

Improving accessibility includes ensuring step-free access, clear layouts, accessible facilities, trained staff, and strong communication of accessibility information online.

On 22 April 2026, industry professionals gathered in Northampton for the BHTA Retailers’ Day, a focused event for mobility and assistive technology retailers.

Titled ‘AI in Mobility and Independent Living Retail – Practical Tools Without Losing the Human Touch’, and led by Clare Bailey from The Retail Champion, the panel brought together:

• David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the BHTA
• Alastair Gibbs from TPG DisableAids
• Martyn Sibley from Purple Goat
• Steve Sydee from Smart Impact

The discussion centred on how AI can be used in practical ways without losing the trust, empathy, and personalised service that define the sector.

From fear to practical adoption

Retailers are moving from fear, to curiosity, to adoption. In many cases, AI is already being used informally. As David noted, bringing that usage into the open is often the first step towards using it effectively.

Panellists framed AI as an enabler. The focus was on starting small, testing low-risk tasks, and building confidence over time. This was described as a change management process, requiring internal buy-in and clear direction.

Clare Bailey encouraged a simple starting point: use AI to capture ideas, structure thoughts, or draft content. These small wins quickly demonstrate value.

Martyn Sibley added a lived-experience perspective, explaining how AI has helped him overcome dexterity challenges and improve productivity, highlighting its role as both a business and accessibility tool.

Where AI is already adding value

AI’s strongest impact is in improving efficiency, consistency, and quality by reducing routine admin work. Common uses include drafting content, summarising information, automating repetitive tasks, and supporting research and scheduling.

David explained that within the BHTA, this has freed up time to reinvest into member engagement and face-to-face activity.

Steve emphasised that success should be judged by outcomes: if customers experience faster, more relevant service, AI is working. If they notice the AI itself, something has gone wrong.

Preserving the human touch

Human interaction remains central in mobility and independent living retail. AI cannot replicate empathy, judgement, or relationship-building, and these remain key differentiators.

Instead, AI should support staff by handling routine work and enabling more meaningful customer interactions.

The panel also raised the risk of over-automation. If time saved is not reinvested, or if technology removes valuable human experiences, it can have negative consequences.

Alastair stressed the importance of understanding customer comfort levels. Some customers will embrace automation, while others may find it unsettling. Retailers must judge where technology adds value and where the human touch remains essential.

Enhancing the customer journey

AI can support the entire customer journey, from discovery to aftercare.

In marketing, the shift from traditional SEO to AI-driven search is significant. Retailers must consider how their content appears in tools like ChatGPT, not just Google. This increases the importance of high-quality, informative content that answers real customer questions.

Long-form, story-led content and strong brand identity were highlighted as key. As AI increasingly mediates recommendations, trusted brands are more likely to be surfaced.

Accuracy is also critical. AI outputs reflect the information available online, meaning retailers must ensure their content is consistent and up to date. Poor or generic AI-generated content can damage credibility, as customers can often recognise it.

AI also enables more personalised engagement. As Martyn noted: “I think the benefit with AI is we can understand what large swathes of consumers need and want and provide more bespoke service.” However, this should support conversations, not replace them.

In aftercare, AI is already being used to improve responsiveness. Alastair described how AI-driven triage systems can resolve many support queries, particularly outside working hours, allowing staff to focus on more complex cases.

The importance of education and strategy

Education is essential for effective adoption. Retailers were encouraged to set aside time to learn, experiment, and build internal knowledge.

Alastair highlighted support options such as local growth hubs, Innovate UK funding, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which can help fund both technology and learning.

The panel also noted that AI is evolving rapidly, and different tools have different strengths. Retailers should focus on understanding where each tool adds value, rather than adopting technology for its own sake.

Risks and considerations

While the outlook was positive, several risks were highlighted:

• Poor implementation can damage trust and authenticity
• Automation raises questions around data and control
• Overuse can reduce service quality
• Not all customers are comfortable with advanced technology
• Failing to engage with AI risks falling behind

Practical starting points for retailers

For retailers starting out with AI, the advice was simple: begin with low-risk tasks, test and refine outputs, and expand gradually. Maintain oversight, focus on quality, and use AI to support – not replace – what people do best.

The overall sentiment of the panel was that when used thoughtfully, AI can free up time, improve service, and strengthen the human elements that matter most.

The author used AI to help prepare this article.

This consultation sought views on proposed changes to the legal framework governing powered mobility devices, including mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. Led by the Department for Transport, the review considered whether existing legislation remains appropriate in light of technological developments and increased use of these devices.

The consultation explored issues such as vehicle classification, safety requirements, speed limits, and use in public spaces, with the aim of ensuring that regulation remains proportionate while supporting safe and accessible mobility. It also considered how changes could impact users, manufacturers and suppliers.

The BHTA encouraged members to review the proposals and consider any potential implications for product design, compliance and market access.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

This consultation outlined proposed changes to the classification of medical devices in the UK as part of wider regulatory reforms. Led by the MHRA, the proposals aimed to align the UK’s approach more closely with international frameworks and introduce a more risk-based system.

The consultation described how devices are currently classified and proposed updates to ensure the regulatory framework remains appropriate as technologies evolve. The changes aimed to better reflect the level of risk posed to patients and the public.

The BHTA encouraged members to review the proposals and consider any potential implications for product classification, regulatory requirements and market access.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

Written by the BHTA’s Bill Lee, Head of Policy and Compliance, and Sarah Sarsby, Communications Manager. The authors used AI to help prepare this article.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has published its BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026, building on the 2023–24 Manifesto to reflect both sector progress and a rapidly evolving health and social care landscape.

First launched in Parliament, the original Manifesto set out five key areas requiring government attention, centred on stronger collaboration between industry, policymakers and healthcare professionals. Since then, BHTA has seen its “Five Rs” begin to translate into action across government and key stakeholders including DBT, DHSC, MHRA, NHS, NHSE and NICE.

The BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 sharpens this momentum into delivery, setting out five clear priority areas:

1. Release NHS Capacity – Industry Partnership for Effective H&SC Delivery
2. Regulate for Safe, Effective UK Medical Devices
3. Rethink Innovation Adoption & Procurement
4. Regularise Sustainability & Social Value
5. Reduce Export Barriers

Together, these priorities form a practical roadmap for how industry and the NHS can work in partnership to deliver better outcomes, faster innovation, and a more sustainable system.

Why the update matters

The BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 provides clarity for BHTA members navigating an increasingly complex policy environment, highlighting where industry can lead, from enabling community-based care to supporting innovation uptake and responding to regulatory change. At the same time, it reinforces to government and the NHS the value of working in partnership with a trusted, ethical healthtech sector to improve outcomes and system efficiency.

A perspective from industry: Bob Russell

To explore the implications of the BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 through a government affairs lens, the BHTA spoke to Bob Russell, Market Access and Government Affairs Director, UK at Hollister, and a member of the BHTA Board.

When asked which of the five key policy areas in the BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 is most important, Bob highlighted partnership and prevention:

“In particular Freeing NHS Capacity through Partnership and Prevention – this recognises the vital role that we, and indeed all BHTA members, can play in supporting the NHS 10 Year Plan and working in true partnership to give better user outcomes”

He emphasised that, if progress could only be made in one area of the five areas of the manifesto, this would be the most impactful for the sector as a whole:

“I think that it as above – this to me is fundamental to achieve. For many years, the concept of partnerships has been talked about but not necessarily implemented to its fullest extent. I believe we are now in an environment where those partnerships will become increasingly important and meaningful as BHTA members help the NHS meet its 10 Year Plan.”

Looking ahead, Bob also pointed to the importance of staying ahead of regulatory developments:

“I think navigating the evolving regulatory environment successfully will be key. Recently announced legislative changes and factor such as ongoing MHRA consultations mean that BHTA members will need to keep very informed as to any potential impacts.”

He concluded by recognising the strength of the updated manifesto and its role in shaping future dialogue:

“The BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 is a very comprehensive document, and I believe focuses on the key areas that are important to members. I am pleased to see the impact of the original 2023-24 Manifesto themes and the dialogue it has opened with key stakeholders. This update advances those themes in a significant fashion through setting clear priorities and actions.”

Looking ahead

The BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 sets out a clear roadmap for how industry, government and the NHS can work together to deliver better outcomes, accelerate innovation and build a more sustainable health system.

Read the full BHTA Manifesto Policy Update 2026 to explore the priorities and actions in detail and understand how the sector can help shape the future of UK healthtech.

Over 30 British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members attended this year’s Naidex, showcasing a wide range of exciting and innovative products and services. BHTA members reported very positive feedback from customers at the show, enjoyed speaking to people face-to-face, and connected with new and familiar faces.

From commercial insurance for businesses and a National Mobility Equipment Register to award-winning powerchairs and single grip hands, Naidex 2026 proved a successful event for members. Here’s what they had to say about the event:

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BHTA members involved in NHS tenders are encouraged to take part in a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) industry readiness survey on value-based procurement (VBP).

This survey provides an opportunity for companies across the health technology sector to share their perspectives and help shape how VBP is implemented across the NHS in England.

Why this matters

Value-based procurement shifts the focus from reducing product costs to delivering better outcomes and lowering total costs across the patient pathway.

NHS Supply Chain is working with the NHS and industry to apply this approach in practice, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver measurable benefits such as increased productivity, reduced infection rates, and improved patient outcomes.

The approach also supports closer collaboration between suppliers, procurement teams, and healthcare providers, with a focus on delivering long-term value to the health system.

More information on VBP can be found in this BHTA article.

About the survey

DHSC has developed national VBP standard guidance, currently being piloted by 13 NHS Trusts, with publication expected in summer 2026.

The survey has been designed to assess industry readiness and understand organisational attitudes towards VBP. Findings will inform DHSC’s implementation plans and support the transition to value-based approaches across the NHS.

It asks organisations to provide:

• Company and sector information
• Levels of awareness of VBP and the guidance
• Current preparedness and actions being taken
• Views on support needed from government
• Perspectives on key success factors
• Additional feedback to inform policy development

Responses are confidential and will not be shared with third parties.

Complete the survey

• Time to complete: approximately 10 minutes
• Response requirement: one response per company
• Deadline: 5pm on 27 March

Relevant members are encouraged to submit a response before the deadline via the value-based procurement survey.

Members involved in NHS tenders or expecting to be impacted by changes to procurement frameworks are particularly encouraged to participate.

At the request of members, the BHTA has created practical guidance to help businesses manage fuel-related risks, maintain continuity of service, and respond to periods of supply chain disruption.

This guidance focuses on fuel cost volatility, logistics disruption, and continuity planning for healthcare and assistive technology businesses operating in the UK. It is intended for members across manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service provision.

The current picture

While the Middle East conflict paints an uncertain picture, early planning can help businesses reduce both operational and financial impact if conditions worsen.

Currently, the most immediate issue is higher fuel costs rather than a sustained national shortage. However, short-term local disruption can still occur due to factors such as panic buying, refinery issues, industrial action, or fuel distribution challenges.

Members should therefore plan for both ongoing cost increases and short-term disruption to fuel availability or deliveries.

What to monitor

Members may wish to monitor the following over the coming weeks:

• Fuel price trends using tools such as the RAC fuel price tracker.
• Supplier delivery times and any new surcharges.
• Availability of key products, components, or raw materials.
• Changes in insurance, freight, or logistics costs.
• Customer demand patterns, and any changes in ordering behaviour.

Practical actions for members

Members may wish to take the following steps:

• Track fuel, freight, and delivery costs regularly.
• Monitor trends through the RAC fuel price tracker
• Review contracts and supplier terms to understand whether transport or fuel costs can be updated.
• Improve efficiency through route planning, combined visits, routine vehicle checks, and reducing unnecessary idling.
• Reduce miles driven identify if there are opportunities for improved scheduling, and combined visits.
• Keep vehicles well maintained to improve fuel efficiency.
• Use remote meetings or support where practical.
• Check stock levels for critical items and identify back-up suppliers if disruption affects deliveries.
• Build fuel risk into pricing, budgeting, and contract reviews where appropriate.

Consider exploring local arrangements to support fuel continuity. If your service is a key frontline service, consider working with local petrol stations or a national chain to help guarantee fuel access.

For larger organisations, fuel cards, fleet tools, or local fuel supply agreements may also be worth exploring.

Pricing and customer communication

Members may also wish to review how increased costs are managed and communicated:

• Consider how fuel and delivery cost increases are reflected in pricing.
• Use clear, evidence-based explanations where price changes are necessary.
• Review contracts to understand whether cost adjustments can be applied.

Clear and transparent communication can help maintain trust with customers during periods of cost volatility.

Planning ahead

A well-prepared business is likely to have:

• Visibility of fuel, freight, and delivery costs on at least a weekly basis.
• A simple continuity plan documented and shared internally.
• Clear priority services and essential activities identified.
• Supplier and delivery contingencies in place.
• A clear approach to customer communication during disruption.

Template: Simple fuel continuity plan

Members may find it helpful to document a simple contingency plan. This does not need to be complex but should clearly set out how the business will respond if disruption occurs.

Members who would prefer a ready-to-use version can download the template here.

1. Priority activities

• Identify essential services, such as urgent repairs, clinical support, and critical deliveries.
• Define which journeys must continue under all circumstances.

2. Fuel management

• Set minimum fuel levels for vehicles.
• Identify preferred refuelling locations.
• Consider local agreements with fuel suppliers where appropriate.

3. Operational adjustments

• Combine visits and optimise routes.
• Reduce non-essential travel.
• Increase use of remote support where possible.

4. Stock and supply chain

• Maintain minimum stock levels for critical products.
• Identify alternative suppliers or delivery options.

5. Customer communication

• Prepare messaging for potential delays.
• Be clear and transparent about any service changes.

6. Internal coordination

• Assign responsibility for fuel and supply chain risk management, for example to an operations manager or senior leader.
• Ensure clear internal communication and escalation routes.
• Assign responsibility for monitoring fuel and supply risks.
• Review the situation regularly, for example weekly.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has set out the Spring Forecast 2026 in Parliament, which delivers the UK Government’s spending plans and the economic outlook for the financial year ahead, alongside the Office for Budget Responsibility’s updated ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’.

The BHTA has highlighted some of the key points that may be relevant for member businesses.

The OBR projects that CPI inflation will fall from 3.4 percent in 2025 to 2.3 percent in 2026, reaching the 2 per cent target in late 2026. A lower inflation path may ease some the costs of supplies and running the business over time; however, the outlook emphasises uncertainty and the continued sensitivity of prices and wages to domestic and global conditions.

In addition, the government states that inflation is expected to reduce in 2026–27. If household budgets are less strained, some consumers may have more capacity to spend on health and wellbeing products, home adaptations, and mobility or daily living aids.

The government adds that the OBR expects living standards to rise over the Parliament, with people forecast to be over £1,000 a year better off after inflation.

However, no new measures or plans were announced in the Spring Forecast 2026 for the NHS, social care, or businesses.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the BHTA, said: “The Spring Forecast points to inflation returning to target sooner, and to households being better off after inflation, which should help to ease pressure on consumers and support business confidence.

“But the statement is light on new measures, and that is a missed opportunity to address some of the practical barriers facing the healthcare and assistive technology sector.

“Our members support independence at home and in the community, and help services to operate more efficiently, yet there were no new steps on long-standing priorities we have raised, including fair and sustainable funding for community equipment and wheelchair services, greater investment in home adaptations, and the removal of VAT on public access defibrillators.

“We are ready to work with government to ensure that future fiscal decisions support timely access to the products and services people rely on every day.”

BHTA members specialising in housing adaptations, accessibility improvements, and assistive living solutions are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity from Conwy County Borough Council. The local authority is seeking to appoint a suitable service provider to deliver home adaptations for eligible residents across Conwy, helping individuals with chronic conditions or physical disabilities maintain their independence and improve safety and wellbeing within their homes.

Tender overview

The opportunity, referenced CCBC/HAS/2026, covers the provision of home adaptation services across the Conwy County Borough area. The contract is valued at approximately £752,100 (excluding VAT) and will run for an initial three-year period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with an option to extend for a further two years, potentially until March 2031.

This procurement falls under a below-threshold open competition within the light touch regime of the Procurement Act 2023. The opportunity is open to a range of organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) operating in the health, social care, and housing adaptations sectors.

Procurement details

Tenders will be evaluated on a quality-to-price ratio of 70:30, with an emphasis on the quality of service delivery, reliability, and capacity to meet the needs of vulnerable residents.

• Enquiry deadline: 5pm on 28 February 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 5pm on 6 March 2026

Interested suppliers must submit their tenders electronically via the Sell2Wales portal.

All related tender documentation, including service specifications and contract terms, can be accessed via the Find a Tender notice. For specific enquiries, suppliers may contact Alan Thompson at Conwy County Borough Council via email at alan.thompson@conwy.gov.uk.

A recent House of Lords debate on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has highlighted long-standing challenges in wheelchair and community equipment provision — and how a proposed amendment could help address them.

The amendment

Amendment 165A to Clause 44 of the Bill, tabled by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, would add the following to the list of “general health determinants” that authorities must consider when addressing health inequalities:

“(f) the degree of ease or difficulty with which persons have access to high quality wheelchair and community equipment provision.”

This amendment would include wheelchair and community equipment provision in the list of ‘general health determinants’ that authorities need to have regard to as a cause of health inequality.

Debate highlights

Peers from across the House voiced support for the amendment, describing the current state of wheelchair and community equipment provision as fragmented, inconsistent, and underfunded.

Watch the debate from 19:56:28 via this link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/dacc4873-aaf6-4230-83a1-46ad665ad36b?in=19:56:28

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath called the current system “a disgrace,” citing evidence from the Wheelchair Alliance and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Access to Disability Equipment showing the lack of national standards, independent regulation, and clear repair or complaints processes. “Many disabled people face long waiting times, delays in hospital discharge, loss of independence, social isolation and avoidable deterioration in health and well-being,” he said.

He explained that wheelchair and community equipment services, though often reaching the same individuals, are managed separately — one primarily by the NHS, the other by local authorities and integrated care boards. This division, he argued, leads to inefficiency and poor outcomes. “They should operate in tandem, but they are two distinct systems,” he said, urging closer collaboration.

Lord Shinkwin, speaking as a wheelchair user, said the amendment “puts the issue on the radar,” adding that access to wheelchair and community equipment services “is a health inequality issue.” He warned that the system’s fragmentation and lack of accountability have allowed inequality to become normalised. “Fragmentation may make for better ICB balance sheets in the short term, but history shows that, in the medium term, it is a very costly false economy.”

Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe added that one in three disabled people are still waiting for approved equipment, and that 74 percent of delayed hospital discharges are linked to equipment delays. The amendment, she said, would help make this area of provision a recognised factor in tackling health inequalities.

Government response

Responding for the UK Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage acknowledged the concerns but said existing legislation already requires provision of such services. In her response in the House of Lords, she said:

“Local authorities in England already have a statutory duty under various legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014, to make arrangements for the provision of disability aids and community equipment to meet the assessed eligible needs of individuals who are resident in their area. In terms of delivery, NHS England supports integrated care boards and wheelchair providers to reduce regional variation in the quality and provision of NHS wheelchairs and to reduce delays in people receiving timely intervention and wheelchair equipment.”

She added that she would raise the issues with colleagues in DHSC and MHCLG and confirmed that the Bill’s existing scope already allows for access to equipment to be considered under “general health determinants.”

Watch Baroness Taylor’s response to Amendment 165A from 16:06:27 via this link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/49b1e807-8829-4a75-a307-4a738052e65b?in=16:06:27

What it could mean for BHTA members

If accepted, Amendment 165A would:

• Formally recognise wheelchair and community equipment provision as a determinant of health.
• Require authorities to show how they are addressing access and quality of provision.
• Potentially influence commissioning priorities and encourage more consistent service standards.

Next steps

The amendment remains under consideration as the Bill progresses through the House of Lords. Its debate marks an important acknowledgment of the essential role that wheelchairs and community equipment play in tackling health inequalities. The BHTA will update members if the amendment is accepted into the Bill.

BHTA members supplying healthcare and mobility equipment are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS).

NHS SBS has issued a major framework tender for the provision of Community and Acute Equipment and Services, including continence products and delivery. The framework, reference SBS10525, aims to establish a comprehensive supply route for NHS and social care organisations across the UK. The total estimated value of the framework is £500 million (excluding VAT), running for a period of four years from 4 January 2027 to 3 January 2031.

Tender overview

The framework is divided into five lots:

Lot 1

Community and Acute Equipment – aids to daily living, moving and handling, clinical furniture, patient treatment couches, with associated repair and maintenance services.

Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)

Lot 2

Beds and Mattresses – manual and electric beds, static, dynamic and hybrid mattresses, and seating.

Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)

Lot 3

Wheelchairs – standard, bariatric, paediatric and portering models, with related servicing.

Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)

Lot 4

Combined Lot – a one-stop option for suppliers awarded to two or more lots, supporting integrated or managed service models.

Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)

Lot 5

Continence Products Home Delivery Service – supply and delivery of continence and self-care products for use in home settings.

Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)

Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. NHS SBS notes that sustainability and social value will form a significant part of the evaluation criteria.

Procurement details

• Procedure: Open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023
• Tender submission deadline: 12pm on 13 March 2026
• Enquiry deadline: 12pm on 23 February 2026
• Contract award date (estimated): 11 November 2026
• Evaluation criteria: Quality 70 percent, price 20 percent, social value 10 percent

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the SAP Ariba portal.

Key information for suppliers

This framework will support NHS and social care organisations in procuring essential community and acute equipment efficiently and ethically. SMEs, VCSEs, and established suppliers of healthcare products and services are encouraged to review the full tender documentation and consider participation.

For further information, suppliers can contact nsbs.categorymanagementsourcing@nhs.net.

The NHS Supply Chain Supplier Webinar held in February 2026 provided suppliers with updates on several initiatives shaping procurement and supplier engagement across the health system. Topics included the NHS England Cyber Charter, the Supplier Performance Dashboard, developments in value-based healthcare, and a brief update on the NHS Core List.

Cyber Charter: Strengthening supply chain security

Rachel Million, from the NHS Supply Chain Cyber Team, outlined the latest developments in NHS England’s Cyber Improvement Programme, which is driving higher standards of cyber resilience across the healthcare supply chain. Under the Cyber Charter, suppliers will be contacted by NHS England to discuss their cyber security controls and may be asked to provide evidence of compliance. Further detail is set out in NHS England’s open letter on the Cyber Improvement Programme (the Cyber Charter).

The programme aims to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents that could affect patient care. Suppliers were advised to review their information security measures, confirm certification status where applicable, and ensure they can provide evidence when requested. NHS Supply Chain noted that cyber resilience is now considered a core component of supply chain assurance.

Supplier Performance Dashboard: Promoting transparency and collaboration

Kate Mokrysz, Supplier Performance and Risk Manager, discussed the Supplier Performance Dashboard, which enables suppliers and NHS Supply Chain to view and compare performance data across cost, quality, service, and sustainability.

Current metrics include service levels, delivery performance, demand management, and data conformance. Further measures are expected to be added over the coming months, including product regulatory compliance, patient safety complaints, sustainability indicators, and information relating to supplier innovation pipelines.

Suppliers who wish to access their own performance data can request dashboard access via their NHS Supply Chain category contact.

Value-based healthcare: Evidence and outcomes

Oliver Booth, Care Pathway Specialist (Midlands), discussed NHS Supply Chain’s ongoing work on value-based healthcare, which focuses on improving outcomes, efficiency, and total cost of care rather than unit price alone.

Suppliers were encouraged to bring forward solutions supported by robust evidence, including real-world data, patient experience, and economic modelling aligned to NHS priorities. Oliver highlighted NHS Supply Chain’s existing value-based healthcare portfolio, which includes case studies demonstrating measurable clinical and system benefits across stages such as pilot implementation, pathway optimisation, financial modelling, and benefits realisation.

NHS Supply Chain is continuing to build the next wave of value-based healthcare opportunities and encouraged suppliers to engage early and share strong evidence packs.

Innovation marketing framework: Consistency and clarity

Fay Allen, Innovation Specialist, outlined a formalised Innovation Marketing Playbook designed to bring greater consistency and clarity to how innovative products are communicated within NHS Supply Chain.

A central element of the framework is the Innovation Brief, a structured document intended to present innovations in a clear, evidence-led format. Each brief includes an executive summary, classification of the innovation, key opportunity highlights, relevant clinical or economic evidence, and practical information such as ordering details and supporting guidance.

By standardising how innovations are presented, NHS Supply Chain aims to make it easier for NHS organisations to identify, assess, and adopt new technologies. For BHTA member suppliers, this approach may provide a clearer route for showcasing evidence-based products that align with value-based healthcare objectives.

NHS Core List

Hamish Makanji, Head of Category – Medical and Surgical Consumables, provided a brief update on the NHS Core List, which aims to simplify procurement for standardised, high-volume consumables through a nationally coordinated route.

From the information presented, the Core List is intended for standardised consumables rather than specialist or bespoke clinical solutions. As many BHTA products, including assistive technology, rehabilitation, mobility, and complex care devices, are tailored to individual patient needs, they are less likely to fall within scope in the near term. While the Core List will continue to expand during 2026, its relevance to most BHTA members is expected to remain limited.

BHTA will continue to monitor NHS Supply Chain developments and share relevant updates to support members in understanding changes across the procurement landscape.

This note summarises the key requirements for pricing practices under UK consumer law. This note has been prepared in line with relevant law and industry guidance, including but not limited to:

• Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA);
• “Guidance for Traders on Pricing Practices” [2025] produced by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (the CTSI guidance); and
• “Price transparency” guidance 2025, produced by the Competition & Markets Authority, or CMA.

This BHTA note, produced in association with Addleshaw Goddard, is designed to help industry members ensure their pricing is clear, fair, and compliant. This note is for any member who advertises, markets, sells or otherwise promotes products to consumers at any point in a purchase process, from early-stage advertising to final purchase.

Click here to download the Pricing Practices and Price Transparency note as a PDF.

The NHS Supply Chain has announced a one‑hour pre‑market engagement (PME) webinar introducing the forthcoming Aids for Daily Living (ADL) 2027 framework, scheduled for 2pm on 10 February 2026. This session offers BHTA members an opportunity to understand the scope, timelines, and participation process for this major upcoming framework.

The ADL 2027 framework aims to support independence at home and facilitate timely hospital discharge through a comprehensive range of products. Categories will include bathing aids, toileting aids, bedroom and home equipment, mobility aids, and paediatric devices, as well as a managed service for Community Equipment Loan Services.

The framework also places a strong emphasis on reuse, refurbishment, and sustainability, aligned with NHS Supply Chain’s circular economy and design for life principles — part of a wider shift toward sustainable procurement and product lifecycle thinking that the NHS and medtech sector are pursuing together (read more about the Design for Life initiative here).

What the webinar will cover

The webinar will provide an overview of the framework’s commercial aims, specifications and product categories, the procurement process, and key milestones. It will also outline how members can engage during the PME period, which remains open until 6 March 2026. This session forms part of NHS Supply Chain’s wider engagement programme.

Who should attend

BHTA members involved in the supply of aids for daily living, mobility aids, community equipment, or related products and services are encouraged to attend. The session is particularly relevant for organisations working in assistive technology, rehabilitation, independent living, or healthcare product distribution, including small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

How to register

To attend, members should register their Expression of Interest (EOI) via either the Jaggaer portal or the Find a Tender notice.

Once registered, attendees can sign up for the webinar through the official Microsoft Teams event link.

For any questions ahead of the session, please contact the NHS Supply Chain Aids for Daily Living team at aidsfordailyliving@supplychain.nhs.uk.

BHTA members are encouraged to participate in this engagement opportunity. The association will continue to monitor updates on the framework and share relevant information as procurement progresses.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Younique Healthcare as a new member, a retailer that specialises in assessment-led mobility and access solutions, from specification to installation and aftercare.

The BHTA spoke to directors Andy Haines and Lee Cadman to learn more about Younique Healthcare’s assessment-led approach, service pathway, plans for growth, and why it joined the association.

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About Younique Healthcare’s co-founders

Co-founded by Andy Haines and Lee Cadman, Younique Healthcare is led by two directors with complementary strengths and a shared emphasis on tailored solutions where comfort, posture, and real-world usability matter.

Andy, Director for Commercial and Product Development, is a healthcare mobility specialist recognised for pairing commercial leadership with practical clinical problem-solving. His work spans independent assessments, complex seating set-ups, and collaboration with charities and partner organisations to match people with the right equipment and support, as well as a wider business development and product focus within the UK medical devices and mobility space.

Lee, Director for Retail and Services, brings a customer-first, operations-led approach, with a hands-on focus on personalised assessments, high-quality equipment, and consistent follow-through, helping to turn complex needs into workable, dignified day-to-day outcomes. Beyond Younique Healthcare, Lee is involved in community-facing mental health and disability work through The Black Country Blokes C.I.C., which won the King’s Award in 2025.

What is Younique Healthcare? 

Established in 2018, Younique Healthcare supports disabled people, families, clinicians, and care settings with assessment-led supply, installation, and aftercare, aiming for safe, practical outcomes that improve independence, comfort, and day-to-day function.

Its services cover wheelchairs and specialist seating, moving and handling equipment, access solutions (including modular ramps and threshold options), and LOLER inspections and certification.

Younique Healthcare operates an assessment-led pathway, which involves understanding needs and risks, such as the environment, user ability, carers, transfers, skin integrity, and safety; confirming measurements and constraints; proposing suitable options; supplying, installing, and commissioning solutions; and then handover, user guidance, and aftercare/support.

Andy describes the company’s ethos as “inclusive by design”, balancing independence, safety, and value, while avoiding “one-size-fits-all” provision. Lee adds that this is underpinned by clear assessment and record-keeping, installation standards, and aftercare.

Younique Healthcare, which is Disability Confident-registered, works with individuals, families, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, case managers, care homes, supported living providers, care agencies, and local authority/public sector-style referrals, where applicable.

“We are a disabled family operating within the market that we serve and that serves us,” Andy added.

Some of Younique Healthcare’s supply partners include BHTA members like Permobil, Sunrise Medical, Etac, and BES Healthcare.

Future plans

Looking ahead, Younique Healthcare says it is navigating economic pressures and ongoing supply chain constraints, while exploring opportunities to develop its own product ranges. The team is also planning either a new shop or a consolidation into a larger Midlands premises.

Younique Healthcare is also planning to open another shop or consolidate into one bigger premises in the Midlands.

The decision to join the BHTA

The directors say joining the BHTA builds on their existing awareness of the association and supports a wider programme of training and development. “We felt the time was right to nail our colours to the mast”, Lee commented.

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

Buying from a British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) ensures that the company you’re buying from adheres to the BHTA’s strict Code of Practice, which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

This means BHTA members commit to providing a level of service above and beyond that of their legal obligations, so you can expect to receive expert advice, excellent customer service, and never be pressure sold any products or services.

There are several ways to identify whether a company is a BHTA member:

• Look for the BHTA logo on their shop window, company vehicle, or website.
• Ask to see their BHTA Membership Certificate.
• Check our member directory. This contains an up-to-date list of all our members.

Warning: A company could fraudulently display the BHTA logo on their website, even if they are not a member. To ensure that a company is a member, the BHTA logo on the company’s website should be clickable and take you through to the CTSI member verification page to confirm that the company is a member.

The CTSI member verification page looks like the below:

If you are still unsure whether a company is a BHTA member, please contact us to verify their details by calling 020 7702 2141 or emailing info@bhta.com.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on Fair Pay Agreements in Adult Social Care sought views on the proposed Adult Social Care Negotiating Body (ASCNB), which would bring together employer and worker representatives to negotiate pay, terms and conditions across the adult social care sector.

The BHTA actively encouraged members to engage with the consultation, ensuring the views of healthcare suppliers and community equipment service providers were represented. Member feedback informed the Association’s response, which highlighted the need for greater clarity on which roles would fall within the scope of the proposed framework, particularly within community equipment services, as well as the importance of practical guidance and support to help employers implement any future changes.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is calling on its members to respond to a new UK Government consultation that is seeking views from industry to modernise laws on powered mobility devices, which includes electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Launched on 6 January 2026, the Department for Transport’s (DfT) 12-week consultation seeks to review size, speed, and usage rules to better reflect modern technology and improve safety.

According to the DfT, current legislation is nearly 40 years old and does not reflect the technological advances that have transformed powered mobility devices. For example, some modern wheelchairs used by adults and children exceed the current maximum legal weight limit, meaning they can only legally be used on private land.

The consultation seeks views on how regulations should evolve to better support people who rely on powered mobility devices, while ensuring safety for everyone who uses roads and pavements.

A variety of crucial topics are covered in the consultation, including:

• Updating terminology in law, replacing outdated terms such as “invalid carriages” with language that reflects modern attitudes and respect for users
• Clarifying where powered mobility devices can be used – on roads, pavements, or other spaces
• Reviewing size, speed, and age requirements for larger devices
• Considering whether two-person tandem devices should be permitted on UK pavements and roads
• Exploring whether other devices, such as powered transporters, should be allowed on public roads or pavements when used by disabled people or those with reduced mobility

Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, said: “Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom and the law should enable their safe use. This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.”

This consultation focuses only on the legislation that governs the use of mobility devices, or powered mobility devices, on the road and pavement in Great Britain.

The consultation deadline is 11.59pm on 31 March 2026. BHTA members can respond online here.

DfT says that a summary of responses, including the next steps, will be published within three months of the consultation closing. 

The UK Government has announced an additional £50 million cash injection for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for 2025-26, which will enable thousands more older and disabled people to live independently in their own homes.

This extra investment will be allocated to local authorities in February 2026 and brings total DFG funding for 2025-26 to £761 million.

For BHTA members installing essential adaptation equipment, this extra DFG cash injection will come as a welcome announcement, as it means there is more money available in local communities to facilitate these life-changing installations and improve individuals’ quality of life.

DFGs enable vital home adaptations such as stairlifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and assistive technologies. This includes mobility and daily living aid equipment like grab rails, ceiling track hoists, homelifts, and wetrooms. It means that people can live at home safely, independently, and comfortably.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said:“Everyone deserves to feel safe and independent in their own home. A stairlift or an accessible bathroom might seem like a small change, but for thousands of older and disabled people these adaptations can be life changing. They help people move around freely, stay close to family and friends, and live with dignity.

“This £50 million boost could support around 5,000 more people to make these vital changes to their homes so they can remain independent and comfortable rather than face a hospital stay or a move into residential care.

“Home adaptations also play a crucial role in easing pressure on our NHS – preventing falls, speeding up hospital discharges and reducing admissions. This investment is part of our commitment to shift more care out of hospital and into the community, where people want to be.”

The DFG supports around 60,000 older people and people with disabilities each year, with an average grant of around £10,000.

Home adaptations also play a crucial role in supporting the NHS by preventing falls and other accidents in the home, speeding up hospital discharges and reducing admissions – easing pressure on the health service and helping to shift care out of hospital and into the community.

A number of British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members are giving positive feedback on a Level 3 Trusted Assessor qualification for retailers that raises standards in the independent living sector.

Background on the Trusted Assessor course

In 2024, the BHTA worked in partnership with Trusted Assessing and Care Training (TACT) to launch a new course designed for retailers of independent living equipment. Delivered by TACT, the ‘Trusted Assessors: Assessing in the Retail Environment’ course is designed to accredit retailers as Trusted Assessors.

The course enables customer-facing staff to learn the skills involved in assessing for suitable home adaptations equipment. This development has enabled organisations across the sector to upskill staff to a standardised, independent set of competencies long recognised within health and social care.

The Trusted Assessor Model

Trusted Assessor competencies, first defined in 2005, are now widely used across the UK by health, social care, housing, and care teams. The qualification teaches learners to adopt an occupational therapy–based approach to assessments, combining theory with hands-on practical skills. Crucially, trainees learn how to identify when a case is complex and requires referral to an occupational therapist (OT). Trusted Assessors are qualified to assess a person’s needs and identify the most suitable equipment and adaptations to support independent living.

TACT’s OTs deliver the teaching, support learners with their assignments, run free monthly top-up webinars, and make additional resources available for free on its website. Learners complete training modules and a homework assignment to demonstrate their understanding and practical application of the course content.

As more organisations adopt the Trusted Assessor model, the independent living sector is better positioned to meet growing demand, reduce pressure on overstretched OTs, and ensure people receive timely, accurate guidance on the equipment that supports independent living.

Strengthening ties with local pathways

Many retailers have found that the qualification not only enhances internal skill levels but also improves collaboration with local equipment and assessment pathways.

TPG DisableAids, a BHTA member based in Hereford, offers a strong example. Director Alastair Gibbs explained: “For TPG DisableAids the Trusted Assessor scheme has been a real boost. We have various staff trained from level 2 to level 4, and it has given us real credibility with housing associations and local authorities. Those looking for a differentiator and an indicator of commitment to quality found it in our association with BHTA and Trusted Assessor.”

This credibility strengthens tender opportunities for providers supplying independent living equipment, as the qualification offers a clear benchmark of assessment quality.

Recognition is growing within the OT profession as well. Brett Gilham from BHTA member company Laybrook noted: “We know how busy many OTs are, so the fact that we can demonstrate we have been trained and can provide assistance in the assessment process benefits all parties. It also means our staff across all levels have been trained to a set standard for assessing.”

Reassuring the public

Retailers are also seeing value in highlighting the qualification to the public. Dolphin South West, a BHTA member based in Devon, newly qualified, has launched a communications campaign to promote its enhanced capabilities.

Antonia Nixon, from Dolphin South West, said: “The Dolphin team enjoyed the training—learning and reinforcing what they know—and now we’re keen to let people know what this means when they deal with us.”

Acting as a regional hub

Some providers are taking the Trusted Assessor approach even further.

On 10 and 11 December 2025, BHTA member Wenman Healthcare hosted two free training workshops for organisations across the region that provide advice to the public on independent living. Twenty-four learners attended the two, one-day Level 2 accredited courses, delivered by TACT.

Attendees importantly represented a broad spectrum of local services, including NHS social prescribers, district housing teams, regional disability and carer charities, and homecare providers, who also benefited from the opportunity to network with peers.

TACT estimates that the programme will help more than 100 residents every day who receive advice from these organisations all year round, demonstrating the potential significant regional impact this training would have if rolled out more widely.

Participants reported a clear increase in their confidence when supporting older and disabled people. The course covered common health conditions, how local health and social care systems operate, communication skills, and key risk factors. Learners also explored a wide range of independent living equipment and typical solutions used across the region.

Confidence in the topic of independent living equipment rose from 52 percent being fairly or very confident pre-course to 100 percent afterwards. Both Wenman Healthcare and TACT were delighted with the outcomes.

Clare Barber, Director and OT at TACT, enthused: “We are passionate about improving access to much-needed equipment, and upskilling people working locally is one of the best ways to ensure residents get timely, accurate advice. Navigating the regional landscape of aids, equipment, and adaptations can be challenging, and understanding what’s available and how to access it can speed things up immeasurably.”

Ian Wenman, Managing Director at Wenman Healthcare, added: “People often aren’t aware of their entitlement to a needs-based assessment for equipment and home adaptations. This can ensure essential equipment is delivered to their home. They often struggle to know what equipment is relevant and helpful to a particular health condition. 

“Families frequently want to explore additional items, and they can try a wide range—without obligation—by visiting our showroom. Our Trusted Assessors identify what’s needed and provide impartial advice, as well as providing a free home visit when required.”

The initiative demonstrates how retailers can act as local hubs for information, training, and support. By engaging organisations across their community, Wenman Healthcare aims to speed up access to essential equipment and strengthen cross-sector relationships.

Course training options

BHTA members can choose from either a one-day in-person course run at their premises or opt for the live webinar version delivered over a series of three dates.

In 2026, the webinar version involves studying for three three-hour live webinars running on:

• 13 March
• 20 March
• 27 March
• 4 November
• 11 November
• 18 November

Alternatively, members opt to join one of the main Trusted Assessor courses that include practical workshops, and these can be directly commissioned or accessed through TACT’s open courses running regionally.

All versions of accredited courses require learners to complete and pass a homework assignment, and, once qualified, Trusted Assessors can join the monthly webinar top-ups for 12 months.

Find out more about the ‘Trusted Assessors: Assessing in the Retail Environment’ course and booking options here.

East Renfrewshire Council has announced a new framework opportunity for the supply, delivery, and installation of internal and external hand/grab rails and minor adaptations for homeowners and council tenants. The framework may be of particular interest to BHTA members operating in the daily living aids and home adaptations sectors.

Key tender details

The contract, titled ‘Framework – Supply, Delivery & Installation of Internal & External Hand/Grab Rails & Minor Adaptations’, has an estimated value of £336,000 (excluding VAT). It will run for an initial period of 24 months, with the option to extend for up to two additional 12-month periods. The procedure will follow an open, single-supplier framework.

The contracting authority is East Renfrewshire Council, and the notice reference is ERC000696 / 2025/S 000-079654.

Participation and requirements

Bidders must demonstrate relevant professional qualifications, financial stability, and appropriate insurance coverage. All staff working on the contract must hold an SVQ in Carpentry and Joinery (Construction) at SVQ Level 3 / SCQF Level 6 or equivalent, and all personnel must have completed PVG Disclosure checks.

Applicants should have a minimum annual turnover of £168,000 over the past two years. Required insurance levels include Employers’ Liability of £10 million, Public Liability of £5 million, and either Professional Indemnity or Contractors All Risk cover of £2 million.

Evaluation criteria

Tenders will be evaluated on both price and quality, with a 60/40 weighting respectively. Quality criteria will consider methodology, client interaction, onsite housekeeping, complaints handling, warranties, contingency planning, and community benefits.

Community benefits are a mandatory component of this tender, with a minimum threshold of 60 points required.

Access and submission

Full tender documentation and submission details are available through the Public Contracts Scotland portal at https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. The project code is 30528.

The deadline for tender submissions is 12pm on 12 January 2026.

Contact for enquiries

For further information, contact May Harvey-Welsh at East Renfrewshire Council via email at may.harvey-welsh@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or by telephone on +44 141 577 3669.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Gibb Group as a new member.

Gibb Group provides medical service provision across multiple industries, operating in the UK and globally. The BHTA recently caught up with Karen Scott, Head of Clinical Services & Innovation at Gibb Group, to learn more about the organisation, its services, and the value of BHTA membership.

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A commitment to safe, reliable, and innovative products and services

Gibb Group Medical & Rescue is part of a wider group called Gibb Group Limited, which is made up of four key divisions:

• Medical & Rescue: Expert medical and rescue training, equipment, governance, compliance, and staffing solutions.
• Safety & Survival: high-quality PPE, safety products, and workwear.
• Tools & Supplies: Tools and control solutions, along with maintenance, repair, and operations supplier.
• Rental & Service: Short-term and long-term rental options and PPE and survival equipment inspection, testing, cleaning, and laundering services.

Gibb Group Medical & Rescue stives to keep people safe and operations running by delivering first-class turnkey solutions, with high-quality products and services.

Karen said: “Our ethos is built on safety, reliability, and innovation. We partner with leading organisations across energy, marine, and industrial sectors to deliver solutions that protect lives and enable operational success.”

Gibb Group works with airport and local authority fire and rescue services, and, since 2016, it has become one of the leaders in medical service provision for the renewable energy industry.

“Our market-leading EURIECA® programme of training, medical equipment, and clinical governance has been widely adopted in both onshore and offshore wind at home but also abroad in the US and Europe,” explained Karen. “We have ambitious plans to deliver the same services in the APAC region, where there is a growing wind energy market.”

Beyond its impact in the renewable energy industry, Gibb Group has also experienced major growth in its provision of offshore medics supporting wind farm organisations, where it deploys an experienced healthcare professional, complete with the equipment they require to do their role, to the point of injury.

Karen continued: “So we are the end users of a lot of the products we provide, as well!”

Bringing two decades of experience to a global market

Founded in 2005 as Trauma & Resuscitation Services (Trauma Resus), the organisation began as a specialist provider of trauma training and clinical governance to the UK’s fire and rescue services.

In 2024, Trauma Resus was acquired by Gibb Group and now operates as its Medical & Rescue division. This acquisition enabled access to a broader global network, expanded training capability, and equipment supply across oil, gas, marine and renewable sectors.

Although the name has changed, the heart of the organisation remains the same, with the same people, principles and dedication to excellence.

Karen added: “Over two decades, we’ve built strong relationships with our customers, suppliers, and partners — and have been privileged to work alongside some of the most skilled and passionate professionals in the industry.”

Tangible benefits of being a member of the BHTA

One of the main reasons Gibb Group joined the BHTA was to access expert guidance on regulatory changes and product recalls, which can create uncertainty.

Membership also closely aligns with Gibb Group’s commitment to quality and professionalism.

Karen said: “It gives us a stronger voice in shaping industry standards and offers invaluable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

“Being part of a larger association can strengthen our voice, but we are also hoping to bring our expertise and knowledge to the association as well and make a positive impact.”

Gibb Group prides itself on maintaining rigorous standards, reflected in its ISO accreditations and memberships of professional bodies.

Karen continued: “Additionally, our memberships in professional associations not only demonstrate our dedication to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices but also provide us with valuable networking opportunities and access to resources that further enhance our capabilities.

“These accreditations and memberships serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering the best services and products whilst upholding the highest standards of integrity and reliability, so BHTA was a natural alignment with our goals.”

International expansion on the horizon

Looking ahead, Gibb Group aims to continue expanding its Medical & Rescue offering in the UK and internationally. The company already operates across the UK, EU, USA, and APAC regions and is focused on growing its global customer base.

To support these ambitions, Gibb Group has recruited staff into international development roles.

Karen enthused: “We are excited to see where we are 12 months from now!”

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has published a new tender opportunity for the supply of orthotic products and associated services. This opportunity may be of interest to BHTA members supplying orthotic products, medical consumables, and related services to the NHS.

Tender overview

This tender opportunity relates to the supply of orthotic products and associated services for The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The contract reference is C410670 and the estimated total value is £108,774 excluding VAT (£130,528.80 including VAT). The contract is expected to run for three years, from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029.

Procedure and award criteria

The opportunity is being run as a below-threshold open competition under the Procurement Act 2023. Awards will be made on the basis of best value for money.

To participate, suppliers are required to complete the relevant RFQ documentation as part of their submission.

Submission details

The deadline for tender submissions is 12pm on 14 January 2026.

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the Atamis portal.

Members should ensure they allow sufficient time to access the documentation and submit all required information ahead of the deadline.

The collapse of NRS Healthcare in August 2025 sent shockwaves through the healthcare sector, disrupting essential provision for thousands of people who rely on vital aids to live safely and independently.  

Given the scale of the impact, the UK Government has now issued a response to a key parliamentary question examining both the collapse of NRS Healthcare and its impact on vital healthcare equipment services. 

However, while the response acknowledges the importance of community equipment and outlines short-term actions taken during the liquidation, it offers no long-term assurances to prevent a similar collapse from happening again.

A key reason there was not a system-wide failure was due to the hard work by BHTA members and others to step in and take on contracts and ensure continuity of services. This has so far gone unacknowledged by government.

Below is the full written question and government response for BHTA members’ reference: 

NRS Healthcare: Insolvency 
Asked by Lord Allan on 17 November 2025 
“To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the insolvency of NRS Healthcare on the provision of community equipment services.” 

Answer from Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (4 December 2025) 

“Community equipment, such as wheelchairs, hoists, and other specialist medical equipment, forms an important part of many people’s health and care support package. Such equipment can be critical in supporting better care outcomes, can enable people to remain in or return to their homes as the primary setting for care, and can avoid unnecessary stays in hospital or care homes. 

“Local authorities have statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 to arrange for the provision of disability aids and community equipment to meet the assessed needs of individuals in their area. While some local authorities provide these services themselves, many have contracts with external suppliers, such as NRS Healthcare. The Department does not have a statutory role in the provision of community equipment. 

“However, as part of NRS Healthcare’s liquidation process, the Government made available short-term funding to the Official Receiver to cover the essential operating costs of NRS Healthcare and its affiliated companies. This funding ensured that trading was able to continue for a limited time, minimising disruption by providing crucial time for local authorities to put alternative supply in place. The Department continues to monitor the situation in affected local authorities through Partners in Care and Health, a Department funded programme run in partnership with the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.” 

BHTA’s call for urgent, coordinated action 

To protect service users and support the businesses that deliver this essential work, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Access to Disability Equipment’s recent report points to a series of important recommendations to the UK Government to improve community equipment services as a whole:

• Develop a National Strategy for Community Equipment – led by a dedicated Minister, ensuring national consistency, accountability, and funding reform.
• Reform funding and commissioning to focus on quality, not just cost, and support sustainable innovation.
• Reduce waiting times and delays through workforce investment and better coordination between the NHS and local authorities.
• Improve communication and transparency with families and carers through a national framework and central data monitoring.
• Create a National Advisory Board to give equipment users and carers a real voice in service design and delivery.
• Strengthen reuse and recycling systems so equipment no longer sits unused while others go without.

BHTA stands ready to work with the government, local authorities, the NHS and industry partners to help shape a more resilient and sustainable future for these essential sectors. The people who rely on this equipment — and the professionals who deliver it — deserve a system that is robust, responsive, and protected from preventable disruption. 

Introduction

The House of Lords recently held a debate examining the UK Government’s plans to publish a strategy for wheelchair provision through NHS and social care services. The question was raised by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, who opened the discussion by highlighting long-standing systemic issues within wheelchair and community equipment provision.

Responding on behalf of the government, Baroness Merron acknowledged the concerns raised across the debate. She confirmed, however, that the government has no plans to publish a national strategy for wheelchair provision, a point that drew disappointment from many peers.

The debate explored wide-ranging issues including service fragmentation, delays in assessments and repairs, unsuitable equipment, lack of national oversight, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the human impact on independence and dignity.

Watch the debate here. Begins at 12:53:10.

Fragmentation, inconsistency, and the postcode lottery

Peers highlighted significant inconsistencies in wheelchair and community equipment provision across England. Lord Hunt observed that services are “inconsistent and under-resourced,” noting that each local authority and integrated care board (ICB) operates differently, resulting in a postcode lottery.

Lord Kamall outlined stark disparities in eligibility criteria between regions. For example:

• North Bristol defines regular use as four times weekly.
• Oxford defines it as at least three days per week.
• Wirral and West Cheshire define it as “more often than not.”
• West Suffolk requires a driving assessment, home accessibility checks, and GP clearance.
• North West London uses a tiered categorisation system.

Lord Kamall said: “A delay in receiving a wheelchair is not simply an inconvenience or statistic, it is a barrier to living a fuller life.”

These differences affect who qualifies for a wheelchair, the type of equipment provided, and the level of support available. NHS England’s dataset shows significant regional variation in meeting the 18-week waiting-time standard. Data provided by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) was also cited in the debate, showing that only around 80 percent  of users receive a wheelchair or modification within 18 weeks—below the national 92 percent  target—with even longer waits for people with complex needs. in meeting the 18‑week waiting-time standard.

Peers also drew on detailed evidence from national reports. The Wheelchair Alliance report highlighted inconsistent provision, long delays in assessment, unsafe temporary equipment use, and a lack of clear repair pathways. It showed how inadequate provision undermines independence, contributes to deterioration in physical and mental health, and delays discharge.

The APPG for Disability Equipment report about community equipment services described the system as inconsistent, underinvested, fragmented and lacking leadership. It identified staff shortages, supply chain weaknesses, recycling delays, dependency on single contracted providers, and widespread dissatisfaction among users and carers with current provision.

Delays, bureaucracy, and real‑world consequences

Peers shared examples illustrating the impact of delays and bureaucratic barriers. Lord Harries recounted the case of Rhys Porter, a young man with cerebral palsy who went two years without essential equipment, leaving his family to manage unsafe manual handling that put them all at risk.

Peers described consequences including loss of independence, avoidable deterioration in health, delayed hospital discharge, social isolation, and increased pressure on carers.

The Wheelchair Alliance report further documented how inadequate equipment provision leads to preventable complications and unnecessary healthcare use.

Employment and economic impact

Several peers, including Baroness Lane‑Fox, highlighted how wheelchair and equipment provision affects employment. She argued that these services form part of the national employment infrastructure because many disabled people cannot access or sustain work without the right equipment.

Baroness Lane-Fox stated: “We often file wheelchair and CES services under health and social care; in reality, they ought to be part of our national employment infrastructure.  When services fail, people don’t just lose their mobility, they lose their ability to contribute.”

Delays and unsuitable equipment prevent people from accepting job offers, participating in education, or contributing to the workforce. 

Lord Rennard expanded on this point, stating: “Fundamentally, what we need to address is balancing the costs of the provision of wheelchairs and community equipment with long‑term benefits including preventing accidents, reducing the need for health care intervention in future, enabling people with disabilities to work, pay taxes, and reduce their dependency on benefits, whilst at the same time significantly increasing emotional wellbeing for many families.”

Suitability and modernisation of equipment

Concerns were raised about outdated or unsuitable NHS‑provided wheelchairs. Several peers noted that many commonly issued models remain heavy, steel‑framed, and difficult to transport, contrasting them with modern lightweight designs.

Assessments were criticised for failing to consider lifestyle, employment, and daily activity needs; in some cases, users were forced to purchase their own equipment. Baroness Brinton recounted her own experience of being deemed ineligible for an electric chair despite clinical advice, ultimately having to privately fund her own wheelchair.

Structural issues in contracting and supply chains

Baroness Brinton and Lord Rennard highlighted structural weaknesses in commissioning and procurement. The APPG for Disability Equipment recommended more strategic commissioning practices, better alignment between local authorities and ICBs, and improved oversight to ensure service continuity and quality.

The APPG report identified additional challenges:

• Staff shortages, particularly occupational therapists
• Supply chain constraints and recycling delays
• Lack of strategic commissioning across local authorities
• Limited transparency on waiting times and provider performance

These issues undermine quality, consistency, and long‑term service sustainability, with direct implications for both users and providers.

Calls for a national strategy

Across the House, peers argued for a national strategy to address variation, modernise equipment provision, improve commissioning, and introduce clearer accountability. Suggestions included national leadership and oversight, standardised eligibility and quality criteria, a shift from lowest‑cost procurement to value‑based procurement, and long‑term investment to support modernisation and prevent system fragility.

Lord Hunt argued that many issues could be resolved with national coordination, while Lord Shinkwin and others warned that current failures represent a false economy.

Government response

Responding for the UK Government, Baroness Merron acknowledged the problems described but emphasised that responsibility for commissioning wheelchair and community equipment services lies primarily with ICBs and local authorities.

She stated that there are no plans to publish a national strategy for wheelchair provision. Instead, she pointed to existing frameworks such as the Wheelchair Quality Framework, the NHS 10‑year health plan, and Personal Wheelchair Budgets, which are intended to support local improvement.

Baroness Merron acknowledged persistent delays, citing pandemic‑related backlogs and fluctuating referral rates. She highlighted requirements for ICBs to reduce waiting times over 18 weeks and eliminate 52‑week waits, with performance monitored through the Community Health Services Situation Report.

She also emphasised the need for integrated working between ICBs and local authorities, stating that improvements must be driven locally through existing structures rather than through a new national strategy.

Wyre Forest District Council, in partnership with the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, has released a new tender that may be of interest to BHTA members specialising in home adaptations, accessibility works, and building modifications.

The procurement (Reference: WF/2025/47) covers three lots related to home adaptation works across the Worcester region. The contracts are scheduled to run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 months following council review.

Lots

Lot 1 – Level Access Showers
Works involving the installation of level access showers to support safe and accessible bathing.

Lot 2 – Ramps
Construction and installation of ramps to improve home access for residents with mobility needs.

Lot 3 – Major Works
Broader home adaptation building works, including structural modifications to support independent living.

These lots may be suitable for BHTA members providing home adaptations, mobility and accessibility installation services, and related construction or refurbishment works.

Key dates

• Enquiry deadline: 12pm, 2 January 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 12pm, 19 January 2026
• Estimated award decision date: 9 February 2026 (estimated)

Submission details

The tender follows an open procedure and is open to SMEs and VCSEs. Submissions must be made electronically via the Sell2 portal. Associated tender documents are available through the same link.

Enquiries should be directed to: procurementsupport@westmercia.police.uk

For full details, BHTA members should review the tender documentation and requirements via the official procurement portal.

Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council have issued a new tender opportunity for the Provision of Minor Aids and Adaptations across both local authority areas. The works support timely hospital discharge, recovery at home, fall prevention, and independent living.

This opportunity may be relevant to several BHTA member sections, including those involved in mobility and independent living products, stairlifts and access solutions, community equipment provision, and installation or adaptation services. These members frequently support local authorities in delivering minor home adaptations that enable safe and independent living.

Key details

Reference: DN799802
Estimated total value of the contract: £540,000 including VAT
Contract length: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2029
Possible extensions: Two additional one‑year extensions (up to 31 March 2031)

Eligibility

This opportunity is reserved for suppliers based in Lancashire, specifically:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)

All conditions of participation are set out within the tender documentation on The Chest procurement portal.

Submission Information

Enquiry deadline: 12pm, 2 January 2026
Submission deadline: 12pm, 12 January 2026

All tender submissions must be made via The Chest. Submissions sent by any other method will not be accepted.

Tender documents are not distributed by email. Members wishing to apply should log in to The Chest, navigate to the “My Opportunities” section, and download the necessary documentation directly from the portal.

Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted through The Chest messaging facility. Messages sent outside the portal will not receive a response.

Accessing the tender

Full details and documents can be accessed on The Chest procurement portal. Search for Reference DN799802.

The latest NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) supplier webinar, held on 3 December 2025, provided essential updates for suppliers on cybersecurity compliance and sustainability expectations. The session, part of NHSSC’s regular information series, featured speakers from its Cyber Security and Sustainability teams, offering insight into upcoming requirements that suppliers will need to meet to remain eligible for tenders and contracts.

Cyber security requirements for suppliers

Jennie Lewis, Cyber Security Compliance Coordinator at NHS Supply Chain, led the session’s opening presentation on supplier cybersecurity. She outlined NHSSC’s adoption of the UK Government’s Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 014, which sets out new baseline security expectations for all suppliers in scope.

All suppliers handling personal information or providing ICT systems and services will be required to demonstrate compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus — a government-backed certification that confirms an organisation has robust cybersecurity controls in place. Certificates must be renewed annually and verified through an external audit. Suppliers can confirm certification validity via IASME, the national accreditation body.

Suppliers processing NHS patient data will also need to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), an NHS England-mandated self-assessment to evidence responsible data handling and compliance with information governance standards. For questions on data or security requirements, suppliers can contact cybersecurity@supplychain.nhs.uk.

Where suppliers do not yet hold Cyber Essentials Plus or DSPT certification, NHS Supply Chain has introduced an Information Security Third Party Questionnaire (ISTPQ). This pass/fail assessment, completed at the Supplier Questionnaire stage of a tender, will be reviewed by NHSSC’s Cyber Security Team to assess equivalency to Cyber Essentials standards. NHSSC will take a risk-based approach to non-compliance, weighing the criticality of the product or service against potential cyber risk. However, suppliers without certification may face reduced opportunities for participation in future tenders.

The Cyber Security Team also confirmed that NHS England will be notified of any vulnerable or insecure products or services identified through this process, as part of broader efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience across the NHS.

Evergreen deep dive: sustainability and net zero

The second presentation, delivered by Jade Gaffney, Sustainability Advisor, and Heidi Barnard, Head of Sustainability, explored the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, one of five key sustainability criteria suppliers must meet. The “Five Asks” — covering Carbon Reduction Plans, Social Value, the Evergreen Assessment, Horizon Scanning, and Modern Slavery — are central to NHS England’s net zero and sustainability strategy.

From 1 April 2026, all suppliers bidding for new NHSSC tenders will be required to achieve Evergreen Level 1 or above. Level 1 aligns with the Carbon Reduction Plan requirements, meaning suppliers must publicly commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 for all scopes. Suppliers unable to meet this requirement will remain eligible for existing contracts but may be excluded from new tenders after this date.

The Evergreen Assessment is hosted on the Atamis platform, accessible under the Information section. NHSSC advised suppliers to ensure their Evergreen submission is correctly linked to their Atamis account to prevent data visibility issues. Annual updates are mandatory, with no automatic reminders issued. Suppliers gathering Scope 3 emissions data should enter “0” placeholders where figures are unavailable, ensuring the assessment remains complete. Queries about sustainability assessments can be directed to sustainability@supplychain.nhs.uk.

The Evergreen framework supports NHSSC’s goal of embedding environmental accountability throughout its supply base, ensuring that procurement decisions contribute directly to the NHS’s wider sustainability and net zero commitments.

The British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards returned in style on 4 December 2025, bringing together organisations from across the healthcare and assistive technology sectors for an evening of recognition, pride, and celebration in the heart of Sheffield.

With a sold‑out room at the prestigious Cutlers’ Hall, a buzzing atmosphere, and a brilliant host in Dr Phil Hammond, this year’s awards showcased the incredible dedication, compassion, and innovation driving our industry forward.

A night to celebrate the very best in healthcare and assistive technology

Guests were welcomed by David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), who opened the evening with heartfelt thanks to nominees, judges, sponsors, and attendees. His message set the tone for the night: recognising the exceptional commitment and skill behind every submission and celebrating the people and organisations working tirelessly to improve lives every single day.

Dr Phil Hammond then took to the stage, bringing his trademark humour and warmth, keeping the energy high and the room laughing as the awards got underway.

A huge thank you goes to our event sponsors, including headline sponsor Verlingue, a long‑standing supporter of our work and which offers the BHTA member insurance scheme. We also thank our category sponsors P3 People Management and Foundations for helping make this year’s event possible.

With a three‑course dinner, three rounds of awards, a charity raffle in support of Sheffield Young Carers, and a DJ closing the night, the evening was a true celebration of collaboration, community, and excellence.

The British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2025 winners

Below is a full round‑up of the outstanding winners recognised at this year’s British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2025.

Rising Star Award

Winner: Liam Bembridge – Gainsborough Healthcare Group
Highly Commended: Brandon Williams – Stiltz Homelifts

The Rising Star category shone a spotlight on exceptional emerging talent. Brandon Williams was recognised for his leadership, technical skill, and the measurable improvements he has driven across his team.

The overall winner, Liam Bembridge, impressed judges with his ability to fuse hands‑on expertise with innovative thinking, strengthening Gainsborough’s reputation for quality while inspiring those around him. A truly deserving Rising Star.

Outstanding Community Outreach

Winner: Ross Care

Ross Care captured this award through its transformative Community Health & Engagement programme, which blends advocacy, education, and compassionate support. Judges were particularly impressed by its holistic approach and the lasting social impact it is creating across the communities it serves.

Best UK Trade Show

Winner: The Occupational Therapy Show

Voted for by BHTA members, The OT Show stood out for its exceptional organisation, strong educational content, and the collaborative spirit it fosters. Bringing together thousands of professionals, it continues to be a cornerstone event for the health and care community.

Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Raybloc

Raybloc impressed the judging panel with its relentless commitment to innovation and product excellence. The manufacturer’s advanced smart‑glass technology, LED‑lit warning systems, and dedication to quality and safety demonstrate leadership in modern manufacturing, underpinned by meaningful community engagement and an education‑first mindset.

Innovation in Sustainability

Winner: H&M Bathlifts

H&M Bathlifts was recognised for the sustainability‑focused design of the Kanjo Bathlift, championing environmental responsibility without compromising on quality. Its extended warranty model reduces waste, while its recyclable packaging and low‑emission logistics cemented its win as a true leader in sustainable product development.

Product of the Year

Winner: Abacus Gemini MX Bath – Gainsborough Healthcare Group

This award honours products that empower greater independence and dignity. Abacus delivered exactly that through the latest Gemini MX Bath, incorporating direct user feedback into its design. The judges were particularly struck by its impact on children and young people, supported by compelling testimonials demonstrating the real‑world difference it makes to families.

Retailer of the Year

Winner: Wheelfreedom

Although unable to attend the ceremony, Wheelfreedom secured the award thanks to its exceptional multidisciplinary approach, which includes engineers, clinical assessors, and customer service specialists working in tandem. Its robust care cycle, spanning consultation to aftercare, illustrates a deep commitment to customer wellbeing.

Team of the Year

Winner: Medequip’s Wellbeing Team

Medequip’s Wellbeing Team stood out for their proactive, structured, and inclusive initiatives that uplifted their entire organisation. From training more than 90 mental health first‑aiders to expanding neurodiversity awareness and driving staff volunteering, the team has embedded a culture of empathy and support, making an admirable, measurable impact.

Lifetime Service Awards

Winners: Stephen Perry and Jean Hutfield

This prestigious category honours individuals whose decades‑long dedication has shaped our sector.

Stephen Perry

With over 43 years of service in mobility and healthcare, Stephen has been a driving force for innovation, accessibility, and ethical practice. His work across organisations – including Keep Able, Freerider UK, and Electric Mobility – and his later leadership at the BHTA have left a profound and lasting legacy.

Jean Hutfield

Jean’s 50‑year career, including four decades in community equipment, has transformed understanding and recognition of equipment services across the UK. Her influential leadership as Chief Executive and long‑standing Chair of NAEP has strengthened partnerships, professional standards, and patient outcomes nationwide.

Both winners embody the spirit of service, leadership, and compassion at the heart of our industry.

Thank you for an incredible evening

A heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners, nominees, and finalists. Each one represents the best of our sector: innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving people’s lives.

Our sincere thanks also go to our judging panel, our sponsors, and everyone who attended the 2025 BHTA Awards Evening. Your passion and support are what make this industry so exceptional.

We look forward to celebrating with you again in 2026. Until then, thank you for helping us champion better, safer, and more inclusive healthcare for all.

A new tender opportunity covering the supply of community equipment and assistive technology across four local authorities in West Yorkshire has become available. The framework aims to support independent living and improve wellbeing for residents in Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale & Kirklees, and Wakefield.

The contracting authorities intend to establish an open framework to source a wide range of daily living equipment for both adults and children, along with specialist and bespoke items.

This opportunity is relevant to BHTA members operating in mobility, bathing and toileting equipment, postural management, beds and accessories, pressure care, seating, moving and handling, paediatrics, and specialist solutions.

Overview of the framework

Estimated value:
£59,631,453.12 (excluding VAT)
£71,557,743.74 (including VAT)

Framework duration:
1 April 2026 – 31 March 2031 (5 years)
Possible extension: Up to 36 months (to a maximum end date of March 2034)

This open framework has no maximum limit on the number of suppliers and will allow companies to join or update their product ranges at scheduled refresh points (approximately every two years) in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

Participating authorities

The framework is being established on behalf of the following councils: Leeds City Council, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Borough Council of Calderdale, and Wakefield Council.

Only these establishing authorities may use the framework.

Lots available

The framework consists of three lots. Suppliers may apply for one, two, or all three, but may only be awarded a maximum of one lot.

Lot 1: Supply of Equipment for Daily Living for Adults

Includes individual items and replacement parts across categories such as bathing, beds, showering, medical devices, moving and handling, mobility, pressure care, seating, toileting, and visual aids.

Lot 2: Supply of Equipment for Daily Living for Children & Families

Covers individual items relating to bathing, beds, postural management, moving and handling, seating, and toileting.

Lot 3: Special Equipment and Bespoke Items

Covers specialist or bespoke products, including bathing, bed packages and accessories, medical equipment, toileting, pressure relief, visual aids, mobility, dressing, and kitchen products.

Suppliers applying for Lot 1 and/or Lot 2 will automatically be considered for Lot 3 (unless they opt out), subject to meeting the Conditions of Participation.

Orders under Lot 3 will be placed following mini competitions.

Framework mechanics

Lots 1 and 2 will be awarded on a product line-by-line basis, subject to the following four-stage evaluation:

1. Desktop evaluation
2. Product pricing
3. Submission and review of samples
4. Conditions of Participation (COP) vetting

Products must meet specification requirements to pass.

Lot 3 does not include tender-stage evaluation; instead, suppliers meeting COP requirements will be added to the lot, and orders will be competed as needed.

Award criteria

The award criteria for Lots 1 and 2 are based on:

• Pass/fail specification compliance, and
• Lowest price per line item among compliant products.

There are no qualitative scored criteria.

For Lot 3:

• There is no price evaluation at framework award stage.
• Suppliers who meet the Conditions of Participation will be appointed.
• Mini competitions will determine pricing and selection at call-off stage.

Conditions of Participation

Legal, financial, and technical checks will apply across all three lots. These must be passed for a supplier to be appointed to any part of the framework. Specifics are provided in the COP documentation available on YORtender.

Submission details

Enquiry deadline: 12pm, 22 December 2025
Tender submission deadline: 12pm, 7 January 2026
Estimated award date: 16 March 2026
Next anticipated tender re-advertisement: July 2028

Tenders must be submitted electronically via YORtender.

Documentation, tender details, appendices, pricing schedules, Conditions of Participation, technical specifications, and instructions are also available through the YORtender portal.

The Scottish Government has set an ambitious target for the nation’s life sciences sector — to achieve £25 billion in turnover by 2035. Its newly published ‘Life Sciences Strategy for Scotland: 2035 Vision’ outlines a roadmap for growth built on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.

For BHTA members operating in the life sciences and medical technology sectors, this strategy highlights several areas of direct relevance — from health technology development, to advanced manufacturing, and closer NHS collaboration.

Launching the strategy, Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Our ambition is to make Scotland’s life sciences industry the best in the world. With a highly skilled workforce, world-class research base, and an already thriving ecosystem, this strategy provides the framework to deliver sustainable economic growth while improving health outcomes.”

A growing and diverse life sciences landscape

The Scottish Government defines the life sciences sector broadly, covering human, animal, microbial, and plant sciences. Many of these areas overlap directly with the expertise of BHTA members involved in medical devices, digital health, assistive technologies, and healthcare manufacturing.

Key growth areas highlighted in the strategy include:

• HealthTech – covering the design and manufacture of medical devices, diagnostic tools, digital health solutions, and software. Examples include imaging systems, AI-driven diagnostics, wearable monitoring devices, and patient care technologies.
• Advanced Manufacturing – embedding sustainable and digital production methods across life sciences, supported by innovation centres such as the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre, and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
• Digital, Data, & AI – the creation of AI Scotland, a new national body to coordinate artificial intelligence initiatives and accelerate innovation in health and MedTech, including an SME adoption programme.
• Industrial Biotechnology – sustainable materials and processes with applications in wound care, implants, and drug delivery systems, aligning with Scotland’s wider net-zero ambitions.

These sub-sectors form a strong foundation for Scotland’s “Northern Star” network of life sciences clusters, spanning centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen, with innovation hubs across the Highlands and Islands. Each region contributes to a nationwide ecosystem supporting manufacturing, digital health, and R&D collaboration.

Opportunities for collaboration and innovation

For BHTA members — especially medical device manufacturers and healthcare technology providers — several initiatives within the strategy are particularly relevant:

• Regional Innovation Hubs – Three NHS-led hubs will support Scottish SMEs in testing, validating, and scaling innovative technologies aligned with NHS priorities. This could streamline pathways for BHTA members to bring products into clinical use.
• Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) Pathway – A mechanism to assess and adopt transformative medical technologies at scale across NHS Scotland, offering a faster route to market for approved innovations.
• Cluster Development Organisation – A new industry-led body will coordinate Scotland’s life sciences network, fostering collaboration between academia, businesses, and government.
• Infrastructure and Lab Space Expansion – Planned investment will address capacity constraints for start-ups and manufacturers by developing new laboratory, and production facilities across key Scottish regions.

These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen the connection between innovation, regulation, and adoption — helping manufacturers translate new ideas into accessible products that improve patient outcomes.

Additional areas of relevance to BHTA members

The strategy also places a strong focus on areas that align closely with the priorities of BHTA members:

• Integration with the NHS – Through initiatives like Scotland Innovates and the ANIA Pathway, companies will have more structured routes to engage with the NHS. This is particularly relevant for BHTA members developing devices, assistive technologies, or digital solutions that can improve patient care.
• Sustainability in manufacturing – With Scotland targeting net zero by 2045, the strategy encourages greener production methods, and sustainable design principles. Many BHTA members, particularly those in assistive technologies and mobility equipment, are already advancing this agenda through product innovation and resource efficiency.
• Skills and workforce development – Updated apprenticeship frameworks and partnerships between education and industry will help build the next generation of skilled workers in medical technology and healthcare manufacturing. This focus supports the long-term growth of BHTA member companies.
• Digital health and data use – The establishment of Research Data Scotland and AI Scotland provides new opportunities for members working with digital health solutions, or AI-based devices, to leverage health data ethically and effectively for innovation.

By combining these elements, the strategy sets the stage for a more connected, data-driven, and sustainable life sciences sector — one in which medical device and technology manufacturers play a vital role in driving innovation and improving health outcomes across Scotland.

On 26 November 2025, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget, setting out measures that will affect healthcare and assistive technology businesses across the UK. Below, the BHTA outlines the announcements most relevant to members.

Tendo has also summarised the key announcements from the Budget on behalf of the BHTA. Download Tendo’s overview here.

National Minimum Wage increases

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage will rise from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase from £10 to £10.85.

BHTA recognises the importance of supporting lower-income workers; however, these increases may place additional financial strain on members, particularly smaller companies and those working under fixed-price contracts with the NHS and local authorities, where there is little scope to recover these costs.

Changes to business rates

From 1 April 2026, business rates bills in England will be updated following a 2026 revaluation. The small business multiplier will fall to 43.2p, and the standard multiplier to 48p, in 2026–27.

The government will also introduce two permanently lower retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) multipliers for eligible properties with rateable values below £500,000, set at 38.2p for the small business rate and 43p for the standard rate. A high-value multiplier of 50.8p will apply to properties with rateable values of £500,000 and above.

To help businesses adjust, Transitional Relief caps will limit annual increases in bills, with lower caps for smaller properties and higher caps for larger ones. For example, properties with rateable values up to £20,000 (£28,000 in London) will see increases capped at 5 percent in 2026–27, while properties over £100,000 could see rises of up to 30 percent before tapering down.

Additional support will include a one-year Transitional Relief supplement of 1p for ratepayers not receiving Transitional Relief or the Supporting Small Business scheme. From April 2026, the 2026 Supporting Small Business scheme will cap bill increases for the smallest businesses losing small business rates relief or rural rate relief at £800 or the relevant transitional cap, and will support those losing RHL relief for three years. The 2023 Supporting Small Business scheme will be extended for one year in 2026–27.

Most BHTA members are likely to see some increase in business rates from April 2026. The greatest impact is expected for members operating large warehouses, manufacturing sites, distribution centres, or high-value premises where revaluations are likely to push bills higher. Retail-focused members with premises below £500,000 may benefit from the lower RHL multipliers, and smaller businesses losing existing reliefs will receive some protection through the Supporting Small Business schemes.

Apprenticeship funding for SMEs

The Chancellor announced £725 million for the Growth and Skills Levy to support apprenticeships, including a commitment to fully fund SME apprenticeships for eligible people under 25.

This represents an opportunity for BHTA members to bring in new talent and support the development of the healthcare and assistive technology workforce. The BHTA welcomes this investment in skills, particularly as many members have reported sustained cost pressures in recent years.

Electric Vehicle Excise Duty

From April 2028, a new mileage-based Electric Vehicle Excise Duty will require electric and plug-in hybrid drivers to pay per mile alongside standard Vehicle Excise Duty. Electric cars will pay half the petrol and diesel rate, and plug-in hybrids will pay half of the electric rate. The government will also provide 100 percent business rates relief for 10 years on separately assessed electric vehicle charging points and electric vehicle-only forecourts.

For BHTA members using electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, the new duty will increase running costs, particularly for high-mileage or multi-vehicle fleets. Members investing in charging points may benefit from the 10-year business rates relief on charging infrastructure.

The BHTA’s response

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association, said: “For our members, this Budget is a mixed picture.

“The uplift to the National Living Wage, the commitment to fully fund SME apprenticeships, and some targeted business rates relief are positive in principle, but they sit alongside higher wage bills, rising rates for many industrial sites, and ongoing uncertainty in the wider health and care system.

“Ahead of the Autumn Budget we called for fair and sustained investment in community equipment and wheelchair services, greater funding for home adaptations, and the removal of VAT on public access defibrillators. None of these priorities have been addressed; in particular, the failure to scrap VAT on defibrillators is a missed opportunity to support thousands of local fundraising groups and make lifesaving equipment more affordable in communities across the UK.

“We will continue to work with ministers, officials, and parliamentarians to press for fair funding, a sustainable commissioning model, and the removal of barriers such as the defibrillator tax so that BHTA members can keep delivering the products and services that people rely on every day.”

NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) has confirmed the approval of its Modernisation Programme, a multi-year initiative designed to update and strengthen its operations across procurement, logistics and supply management. Alongside this, it has introduced a set of Buying Principles that outline how it will approach purchasing decisions and work with suppliers.

Modernisation Programme overview

The Modernisation Programme is structured to enhance the organisation’s commercial capability, update procurement systems, and support improved product and service pathways. According to NHSSC, the programme will involve strengthening digital tools, improving processes, and supporting greater consistency across procurement activities. It is intended to ensure that procurement is more efficient, transparent, and aligned with national objectives.

NHSCC says that the Modernisation Programme will enable it to make a step change in its ability to serve the NHS and patients across England, by investing in IT and supply chain infrastructures through a multi-year programme.

Andrew New, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Supply Chain, commented: “This investment will be used to grow the value of our procurement and delivery services to meet the needs of all of our service users and stakeholders in a resilient and modern system-centric way.

“It will also enable us to address our critical IT resilience risks, as well as delivering our commitment to return a minimum of £1 billion of recurring annual value to the NHS by 2030.”

A short explanatory video released by NHSSC highlights several areas of development within the programme, including improvements to digital infrastructure, enhanced data visibility, and refined systems intended to deliver better outcomes for the wider NHS. The programme is described as a significant step in preparing NHSSC for future demands on procurement and supply management.

Buying Principles

NHSSC has also published its new Buying Principles, outlining the standards and considerations that guide purchasing decisions. These principles state that buying decisions will be evidence-based, transparent, and designed to provide value for money while supporting the needs of the NHS.

The principles include commitments to consistency, fairness, and long-term value, as well as an emphasis on quality and ensuring that procurement decisions contribute positively to patient care. NHSSC notes that the updated approach is intended to improve clarity for suppliers, offering a clearer framework for how purchasing decisions are made.

While the principles are high-level, they directly relate to suppliers by setting expectations for the evaluation of goods and services. NHSSC states that the principles will support more efficient, transparent decision-making and give suppliers greater visibility of the factors that influence category strategies and contracting.

Supplier-related details

The Modernisation Programme states that the new Buying Principles and modernisation activities will help create clearer pathways for engagement with suppliers. The principles indicate that suppliers should expect NHSSC to apply consistent criteria and evidence-based methods during procurement exercises.

The Modernisation Programme includes changes to digital tools and commercial processes that will support enhanced interactions with suppliers. These developments are framed as improvements to the way NHSSC manages sourcing, contracting, and ongoing supplier relationships.

The BHTA joined NHS Supply Chain’s (NHSCC) latest supplier webinar on 12 November 2025 to hear updates on key procurement developments. The session provided practical information to help suppliers understand upcoming changes, maintain compliance with NHS procurement standards, and engage more effectively with NHSCC.

Supplier support on the NHSCC website

Matthew Griffin, Head of Procurement Operations, outlined how NHSCC is helping suppliers adapt to changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023. A series of new user guides, short videos, and updated website content has been created to make information easier to access. For more information and access to these supplier resources, visit the NHSCC suppliers section.

Matthew also emphasised NHSCC’s increasing focus on cyber security, with new requirements to safeguard systems and sensitive data. A dedicated section on the website provides guidance on meeting these standards. He highlighted the importance of early engagement with the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and recommended suppliers familiarise themselves with the Contract and Tender Process pages.

The updated procurement calendar was also noted as a useful tool showing NHSCC’s current and upcoming contract pipeline.

Maintaining accurate information through the Central Digital Platform

Tim Plackett, Performance and Risk Manager, underlined the importance of keeping supplier information up to date within the Central Digital Platform (CDP). Suppliers should ensure their company and product details, including insurance certificates, accreditations, and financial standing, remain current. This supports smoother tenders and contract management.

Tim encouraged suppliers to provide as much detail as possible, stating to suppliers that a good rule of thumb is to assume buyers know nothing about them. He clarified that Supplier Economic and Financial Standing (EFS) is not a pass or fail measure, but it may affect how NHSCC works with individual suppliers.

Category managers can also provide product data extracts at contract level to suppliers, including some information about competitors, though these exclude sensitive commercial information.

NHS Supply Chain Buying Principles

Byron Vincent, Head of Performance and Business Management, presented the Buying Principles, which reflect NHSCC’s commitment to more sustainable, fair, transparent, and effective procurement. The principles form part of NHSCC’s wider modernisation programme and align with national health objectives under the NHS 10-Year Plan.

Centred around three ambitions – Buy Smart, Supply Right, and Partner Expertly – the framework aims to deliver £1 billion in cumulative value to the NHS by 2030. Byron explained that NHSCC will place greater emphasis on value-based procurement, assessing the total value of products and services rather than focusing solely on cost.

The seven buying principles are:

1. Streamline what NHSCC buys and who NHSCC buys from
2. Separate goods from services for clarity
3. Base decisions on system-wide data
4. Simplify and make contracts flexible
5. Support strategic product selection and innovation
6. Buy as one NHS to maximise value
7. Avoid habitual buying and promote continuous improvement

Head positioning is critical not just for comfort, but to help with breathing, swallowing, vision, and communication. Occupational therapists must be able to navigate the clinical reasoning behind head support selection, including the impact of tone, asymmetry, and movement patterns, to ensure customers have the right one to match their specific needs.

This feature from Wendy Busby, Clinical Trainer at Sunrise Medical, a BHTA member company, will discuss how occupational therapists can balance stability with dynamic movement to support user engagement and independence.

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The importance of correct head positioning

Proper head positioning is a vital part of ensuring effective postural care for a patient. The right position will maintain spinal alignment, protect the skin, improve a patient’s visual field and support other essential functions such as respiration and swallowing. Moreover, it enhances a patient’s quality of life.

Finding the best head positioning for patients

Head support is not an accessory but a fundamental part of the whole seating and positioning system. Finding the right head support is essential, but where should you start?

Before ordering any head support equipment, a mat evaluation should be carried out to determine the best postural alignment and support for the pelvis, trunk, and the rest of the body first. This process should then determine the available range of movement of the head and neck. Assessment should also look at other factors which will indicate a patients’ individual needs, such as how their head position affects their daily functional ability, visual field, and essential body functions. Effective head supports should aid management of excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, and reduction of pain wherever possible.

Simulating different head positions with your hands will help you to find the correct position. It will enable you to determine active movements, the amount and force of support required, and the location and size of the supports needed, both laterally and anteriorly.  

Once you have confirmed the best head position with your hands, you can review the equipment options available and choose the items that will meet the posture of the patient and provide the most appropriate level of support. If needed, you can consult with other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure the equipment can be mounted on all the different seating that the patient uses, or check it can be replicated on them.   

Tailoring the support to the individual

It is always important to consider the individual needs of a patient. For example, for patients with flexible asymmetries, consider corrective postures that allow for alignment of trunk and head, in conjunction with a suitable back support and cushion. Equally, for individuals with non-reducible asymmetries, you will need to respect the posture while providing support to prevent further deterioration. You should take into account how easy the equipment is to manage for the patient and the carer. For example, is it easy to remove if it must be out of the way for transfers in and out for the chair. Aesthetics are also an important factor for many patients, whether a head support is too bulky, uses too many accessories, or is simply unattractive.

Common symptoms which indicate that a patient’s head positioning needs to be assessed can include their head facing down, hyperextension of the neck and excessive drooling. It is best practice to analyse the cause of these symptoms to further support the patient. These could be linked to poor neck strength, pelvic misalignment, or even visual impairments.

Patients with progressive conditions might need additional support over time. Therefore, choosing a modular system with compatible hardware is necessary for longer-term support.

Prioritising prevention over cure

Proper postural care, including head positioning is just as important as finding the right wheelchair or scooter for a patient. As with all aspects of patient care, it is unique to the individual, and the right postural support can prevent future potential issues.

One of the key focuses of the government’s 10-year NHS restructure plan is around prioritising prevention over treatment, and the same approach should be taken with postural care.

The correct postural management, including head support, can help to prevent longer-term problems, such as issues with digestion and respiration, ski,n and spinal problems, as well as restricted movement.

Taking action

The right training is integral to providing the best postural care.

Sunrise Medical, an adaptive wheelchair manufacturer, is offering free training courses on patient posture and seating care for NHS professionals.

These courses incorporate clinical guidance for professionals, as well as product training to demonstrate how innovative seating solutions can be integrated into patient care and enhance mobility, dignity and support.  

The JAY Seating Masterclass will be taking place across 14 locations from 4 November to 12 March. The course will cover complex postures in seating and show ways professionals can get the most out of the  available JAY cushions and JAY3 backrest. These solutions were designed to stabilise the pelvis, protect the skin, and position the body with seat width options ranging from  200mm to 760mm.  

Sunrise Medical will also provide practical guidance on selecting and configuring solutions to meet a variety of postural needs.  

To find out more about training opportunities and further guidance around postural care, visit sunrisemedical.co.uk/education-in-motion

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Interested in contributing a view, guidance, or thought-leadership piece to the website? BHTA members should contact marketing@bhta.com to get involved.

Cumberland Council has published an invitation to tender for the supply of specialist seating equipment for use within its Community Equipment Service. The council is seeking suppliers able to provide two categories of specialist chairs that support adults with assessed eligible needs in the community.

About the procurement

The opportunity concerns the spot-purchase supply of the following chair types:

• Specialist riser recliner chairs
• Specialist tilt-in-space chairs

According to the tender documents, the chairs are required to support individuals who need clinically appropriate seating solutions that promote independence, safety, and comfort. The procurement aims to establish a single-supplier arrangement, ensuring consistency of provision and simplified contract management for the authority.

Contract term and value

The contract has an estimated maximum value of £350,000. The initial term will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 July 2027, with an option to extend for a further 12 months to 31 July 2028. This structure allows the council flexibility to maintain continuity of supply based on service requirements.

Procurement details

The tender is being carried out through an open procedure. The main procurement category is goods, and the CPV code listed is 33192000 (medical furniture). Full tender documentation, specification, and submission instructions are available through the authority’s procurement portal, The Chest.

Here are the key deadlines that suppliers should be aware of:

• Enquiry deadline: 12pm, 3 December 2025
• Submission deadline: 10am, 15 December 2025

All tender responses must be submitted electronically.

How to apply

Suppliers wishing to review the specification or submit a response can access the tender through The Chest. All accompanying documents are available via The Chest.

This tender can also be viewed on the UK Government’s Find a Tender service here.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is calling on the UK Government to deliver fair and sustained investment in the healthcare and assistive technology sectors ahead of the Autumn Budget, due to be announced on 26 November 2025.

Support for community equipment and independent living services

The BHTA is urging government to act on the findings of the recent All-Party Parliamentary Group for Access to Disability Equipment report. The report highlights systemic failures leaving thousands without the essential equipment they need. Targeted, long-term investment from the government in community equipment services would ensure that people receive timely support, while reducing pressure on hospitals and enabling more individuals to live independently at home.

Improve wheelchair provision through allocated funding

A recent BBC article exposed widespread delays in NHS wheelchair services, leaving many people waiting months or even years for appropriate equipment. BHTA and industry partners have called for increased funding for Personal Wheelchair Budgets, to ensure individuals can get access to the right chair for their needs.

BHTA members that provide wheelchair services to the NHS are constantly battling underfunding and increased service demand, which impacts their ability to deliver timely, high-quality care. Increased government funding would not only ease this pressure but also enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of these vital services.

Scrap defibrillator tax

The BHTA continues to lead the national call to remove VAT on public access defibrillators through its Scrap the Heart Restart Tax campaign. This is a simple, cost-effective measure that would immediately make life-saving equipment more accessible in communities across the UK.

The issue is also gaining political momentum, following a recent debate in Parliament where MPs voiced strong support for removing the tax. The association welcomes this cross-party attention and urges the government to act swiftly to implement this crucial reform.

Increase home adaptation funding

The BHTA also calls for greater funding for home adaptations. Evidence from an Age UK report highlights that delays in home adaptations are forcing older people into residential care unnecessarily, demonstrating that timely adaptations help people remain safe and independent in their homes for longer. Increasing Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding would allow more people to access high-quality adaptation equipment suited to their needs – from stairlifts and homelifts to accessible bathing solutions and grab rails – reducing long-term costs for the NHS and social care systems.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the BHTA, commented: “We can’t build a fair and sustainable health system without investing in the organisations that make it possible.

“From ensuring access to life-saving defibrillators to funding the right wheelchair for every person in need, these aren’t luxuries – they’re essentials.

“The Autumn Budget is the government’s opportunity to show that it values ethical innovation, fair access, and the health of every individual.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a call for evidence to review the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

The consultation invites input from manufacturers, importers, suppliers, duty-holders, users, and other interested organisations.

The HSE’s review seeks to ensure that the regulations remain effective, proportionate, and aligned with modern technologies. It aims to identify any unnecessary burdens placed on businesses while maintaining the high standards of safety that LOLER helps to ensure. The consultation will examine whether the scope and application of LOLER continue to be fit for purpose and whether updates are needed to reflect new types of equipment, processes, or industry practices.

LOLER applies to any organisation that owns, operates, or supplies lifting equipment, including those involved in the manufacture and use of patient-handling equipment, hoists, slings, and other devices used in healthcare settings.

These regulations require every lifting operation to be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons using suitable and well-maintained equipment. In many cases, equipment must also undergo regular ‘thorough examinations’, with records retained for inspection — all of which create important, but often resource-intensive, compliance obligations for businesses.

For BHTA members, particularly those manufacturing or supplying patient handling products, this consultation offers an opportunity to share practical insights and evidence about how LOLER works in practice. Manufacturers and suppliers are encouraged to consider whether the current definitions of ‘lifting equipment’ and ‘lifting operations’ remain appropriate in the context of modern assistive technologies.

There may also be scope to comment on whether inspection intervals or reporting requirements could be made more flexible without compromising safety, or whether advances in product reliability and design might justify a more risk-based approach.

The review may also consider how LOLER interacts with other legislation, including the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Given the increasing use of powered and automated lifting devices in healthcare environments, the HSE is keen to gather feedback on how the regulatory framework could evolve to reflect innovation while continuing to protect patients and care staff.

The consultation remains open until 11 November 2025. The BHTA encourages all members affected by LOLER, particularly manufacturers and suppliers of patient handling equipment, to take part in this important consultation. Respond to the consultation here.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Urathon as a new member, which provides high-quality community equipment that helps people live more independently and comfortably.

The BHTA recently caught up with Lucy Carson, COO & Finance Director at Urathon, to learn more about the firm’s commitment to quality community equipment; future plans; and the value it sees in joining the BHTA’s trusted network that offers industry support, shared values, and opportunities for collaboration and development.

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Bringing varied finance and accounting expertise to Urathon

Lucy has gained experience across a diverse range of industries, from working with a company that owned a chain of 150 pubs and clubs, to a large corporate wire and cable manufacturing business, and more recently, a small local printing firm.

“My roles have always been rooted in finance and accounting, giving me a strong understanding of both large-scale operations and close-knit, community-driven businesses,” she explained.

Making a difference in the community

Urathon is a community equipment provider that works with local authorities, healthcare providers, and retail partners to make sure its products truly meet the needs of the people who use them.

“Our focus has always been on quality, innovation, and care — making a real difference in everyday life,” Lucy said.

Urathon recently welcomed two university graduates to the team, who are helping elevate the provider’s marketing and social media presence while also supporting sales efforts. Lucy enthused: “It’s been great bringing in some fresh ideas and energy!”

Why being a BHTA member is synonymous with being part of a valued network

Lucy explained when she came across the BHTA: “I first heard about the BHTA when I saw all the fantastic support they were offering following the collapse of NRS, and it really highlighted how valuable the association is to our industry.

“It showed me that the BHTA isn’t just about membership — it’s about community, guidance, and standing together as a sector.”

For Urathon, being a BHTA member means that the company is part of a trusted network that shares its values of quality, integrity, and professionalism.

The BHTA also provides timely access to industry insights, best practices, and networking opportunities that are not available elsewhere, which will all help Urathon grow and continue improving the services it offers to customers.

Event presence and exciting product launches

Urathon will be attending the OT Show for the first time this year and has just secured a bigger stand.

On 4 December, Urathon will be attending the British Healthcare Trades Industry Awards 2025, which provides an excellent opportunity to network and celebrate the healthcare industry’s success.

Urathon also recently achieved ISO 9001 accreditation, which is a huge milestone for the company and Lucy’s team.

Looking ahead, Urathon is excited to be launching some new and innovative products for the retail sector in 2026. The firm will be attending Naidex again next year with an even bigger stand.

Lucy also has a big aspiration for Urathon next year: “My goal is for Urathon to be nominated for a BHTA Award in 2026.”

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The NHS is strengthening its commitment to innovation and efficiency through the introduction of new value-based procurement (VBP) standards for medical technology.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published the ‘Value Based Procurement Standard Guidance for Medical Technology’, designed for use within the NHS’s 13 VBP pilots. Although the guidance has been created to support these pilot projects, it also provides valuable insights and practical applications for the wider medical technology sector.

The guidance is intended for use by both NHS buyers and suppliers to help assess not only the cost of medical devices but also the broader value they deliver to patients, staff, and the healthcare system.

This shift towards value-based decision-making comes alongside the government’s announcement that the NHS will invest in pioneering technology to help reduce waiting lists and improve productivity across services. Together, these initiatives aim to ensure that procurement decisions increasingly reward technologies that demonstrate measurable improvements in outcomes, efficiency, and sustainability.

A holistic approach to procurement

The new DHSC guidance establishes a framework for evaluating medical devices across five domains: social value, efficiency, patient and staff outcomes, supply chain resilience, and purpose. A sixth factor, whole-life cost, complements these domains by ensuring that price is considered within the broader context of lifecycle value.

Under the new framework, NHS buyers are encouraged to assess tenders not solely on upfront cost but on the overall contribution a product or service makes to the health system.

Each domain can be weighted according to the needs of a particular procurement, but social value must account for at least 10 percent of the total weighting, in line with the NHS Social Value Playbook. Overall, at least 60 percent of procurement scoring must relate to the value domains, while whole-life cost is capped at 40 percent.

This marks a step away from purely price-driven procurement and towards a model that prioritises long-term outcomes, sustainability, and patient benefit.

Measuring value across domains

Each of the five value domains provides a structured set of questions and evaluation criteria for buyers and suppliers. The social value domain encourages suppliers to demonstrate how they will reduce carbon emissions, manage modern slavery risks, or improve sustainability in packaging and disposal. The efficiency domain considers how a product can simplify patient pathways, increase hospital or community productivity, and support accurate measurement of outcomes. The patient and staff domain emphasises safety, patient experience, and health equity, while supply chain and purpose focus on resilience, interoperability, and ease of use.

Suppliers are expected to provide measurable, evidence-based responses that show how their technologies can deliver tangible improvements. This includes providing baseline data, real-world evidence, and models that quantify benefits such as reduced complications, improved patient satisfaction, or optimised workforce time.

Supporting the NHS’ wider transformation goals

The guidance is part of a wider shift within the NHS towards integrating innovation, sustainability, and productivity.

Andrew New, CEO of NHS Supply Chain, said: “Innovative technology has a vital role to play in delivering faster, simpler and more effective care for patients. Through this new approach, we can ensure that procurement not only secures the best value for money but also supports the NHS in achieving its long-term goals around efficiency, sustainability and patient outcomes.”

Implications for suppliers

BHTA member companies supplying medical technology to the NHS will need to engage more deeply with buyers to demonstrate measurable value through data, evidence, and partnership. This includes clearly articulating how their products support clinical efficiency, improve patient experience, and align with NHS sustainability objectives.

The framework also highlights the importance of collaboration between suppliers, clinical teams, and procurement professionals. Bidders are encouraged to provide evidence that supports their claims, including quantitative data, modelling, and independent validation where possible.

The guidance advises buyers to ensure proportionality in their tender requirements to support the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the medtech sector.

Suppliers may wish to focus on areas such as:

• Demonstrating carbon reduction and sustainable manufacturing practices;
• Providing evidence of improved efficiency and productivity outcomes;
• Showcasing innovations that reduce risks to patients or staff;
• Supporting equitable access and addressing health inequalities;
• Building resilient and transparent supply chains.

By preparing evidence-rich submissions aligned to the five value domains, suppliers can better position themselves to succeed in NHS tenders under this new approach.

A shared vision for sustainable innovation

The VBP guidance underscores a wider movement within the healthcare system towards smarter, more sustainable procurement. As the NHS aims to make better use of technology to enhance care delivery, these frameworks are helping to ensure that procurement decisions reflect genuine long-term value.

Andrew added: “By focusing on value rather than volume, we are creating the conditions for innovation to thrive — enabling suppliers to bring forward solutions that improve outcomes for patients and deliver efficiencies for the NHS.”

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Download the full value-based procurement guidance here.

The UK Government has announced enhanced collaboration between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The collaboration is intended to accelerate innovation, strengthen patient safety, and reduce barriers to transatlantic market access for medical technologies and AI.

Key developments

The MHRA will deepen its regulatory collaboration with the FDA, with a shared ambition to advance alignment and reciprocity.

During the Advanced Medical Technology Association conference in San Diego, MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon highlighted the agencies’ commitment to accelerating joint initiatives and policy development, supported by strategic opportunities for cooperation.

The MHRA has launched the National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, bringing together UK and international experts, including contributors from the United States. The commission will develop recommendations to support the safe and transparent use of AI-driven medical technologies and to contribute to international alignment.

The agency has also confirmed plans for new international reliance routes designed to improve international investment and increase UK access to medical devices that have already been approved by trusted regulators, including the FDA.

According to the announcement, the reliance framework is intended to include products cleared through the FDA’s 510(k), De Novo, and Premarket Approval (PMA) pathways.

What this means for BHTA members

For BHTA members operating in the UK and internationally, the planned international reliance routes are expected to facilitate faster UK market access for devices already approved by trusted regulators.

The strengthened collaboration between the MHRA and FDA, together with the establishment of the National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, signals ongoing work to align approaches to regulating medical technologies and AI.

The medtech regulatory reforms in Great Britain are intended to enter legislation in 2026  and open new reliance routes from 2027.

Background

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), working with the Department of Health and Social Care, ran a call for evidence to inform its statutory review of the UK medical device regulatory framework.

The consultation received 123 responses from industry, trade associations, healthcare professionals, patient groups, and charities. To learn more about the consultation and see the BHTA’s full response, read this article.

As part of this work, MHRA held a workshop with trade associations, including the BHTA, to share early analysis from the responses and invite further input from stakeholders.

Survey results

The figures below summarise the initial responses from stakeholders to the MHRA consultation.

When asked – How well do you think the current UK medical device regulatory framework protects public health? – most felt it offers protection to some degree, with 40 percent selecting ‘somewhat effectively’ and 35 percent ‘effectively’. A further 12 percent said ‘very effectively’. Five percent answered ‘ineffectively’, and seven percent were ‘not sure’.

To the question – On a scale where 1 = not at all effective and 10 = extremely effective, how effective are the regulations in practice? – scores clustered in the mid‑to‑high single digits, with the largest share around six to seven, and relatively few at the extremes. This indicates a broadly moderate view of day‑to‑day effectiveness.

See the slide below for views on unnecessary or excessive regulatory burdens and whether stakeholders have encountered any issues, blockers, or areas of ambiguity when using the regulations.

To the question – On a scale where 1 = not at all clear, well‑structured, or easy to navigate, and 10 = extremely clear, well‑structured, and easy to navigate, how would you rate the framework? – responses typically centred around six, with relatively few at the extremes.

When asked “Are there any overlapping, duplicative, or outdated provisions in the framework?”, 47 percent said ‘yes’, 42 percent ‘no’, and nine percent were ‘not sure’.

Views were cautious when asked: “Do the regulations provide the appropriate balance of flexibility to respond to new technologies or emerging public health issues, and robust regulatory oversight?” 42 percent disagreed and 11 percent strongly disagreed; 27 percent neither agreed nor disagreed; 17 percent agreed; and two percent strongly agreed.

Responses to the question – Do you think the current balance between what is set out in legislation and what is provided in supporting guidance appropriate? – received mixed responses. 19 percent answered ‘yes’. 28 percent felt too much sits in legislation, 21 percent felt too much sits in guidance, and 42 percent were unsure.

See the slide below for stakeholders’ views on streamlining medical device legislation.

BHTA’s contribution

On behalf of member companies, the BHTA welcomed MHRA’s engagement and added two pragmatic suggestions in the session:

• Increased funding/resource allocation for “human at the end of the phone” resources to deal with industry queries that fall between MHRA’s guidance webpages (existing) and paid-for consulting services of MHRA (future, envisioned as part of MHRA’s enhanced functionality once the changes to regulations are out of the way); 
• Face-to-face sessions to discuss complex issues, e.g. how – in MHRA’s envisioned International Reliance routes – MHRA will divide labour between itself (as the regulator) and UK approved bodies & EU notified bodies when it comes to approvals, application processes, and technical file examination. 

Next steps

According to discussions with MHRA, there will be further stakeholder workshops in October.

Findings from the survey and these workshops will inform the review, with a report expected early next year; all feedback will be anonymised in the final report.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has responded to a consultation seeking views from relevant stakeholders about the UK’s medicines and medical device regulatory framework.

Conducted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the consultation focused on the legislation that govern the development, authorisation, supply, and oversight of medicines and medical devices in the UK. These include the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 and the Medical Devices (Fees) Regulations, which are relevant to BHTA members.

Ahead of the 19 September 2025 deadline, the BHTA invited members to share their views so that they could be included in the BHTA’s response to the consultation.

Read the BHTA’s full consultation response here.

Our response: Operation of the regulations

“We strongly recommend extension of CE‑marked products in perpetuity, beyond the current 2028/2030 transition periods. The economic reality of the UK’s global market position means that patients, clinicians, and large commissioners (the NHS) will benefit most from continued acceptance of CE-marked products (which provides the most effective route to market for global/multi-national companies) AND a clear, robust, well-resourced domestic assurance route for UKCA-marked products (which provides the most effective route to market for UK-based SMEs who supply primarily (or only) the UK market).”

BHTA welcomes the intent of the medical device regulations but notes that recent uncertainty has affected companies and, ultimately, patients. Members have reported operational challenges stemming from shifting timelines for continued acceptance of CE-marked products, evolving fee structures, and a lack of clarity around the respective roles of MHRA and UK Approved Bodies.

“Businesses need predictability, appropriate advance notice, and clear regulatory pathways in order to invest confidently.”

BHTA’s view is that the regulations are broadly fit for purpose; however, MHRA resourcing and service performance must keep pace with regulatory demands. Increases in fees should be matched by measurable improvements in timeliness and quality of service delivered by the MHRA.

Our response: Fees and cost recovery

“Timely production of indicative fees, well before 01‑Apr‑26, will be essential… [and] quarterly or monthly payment plans for UKRPs… will be essential.”

BHTA recognises MHRA’s work towards an algorithm-based post-market surveillance cost-recovery model using GMDN level 2 categories. To help businesses plan, the association urges early publication of indicative fees well ahead of the model’s commencement on 1 April 2026.

Flexible payment options, such as quarterly or monthly plans for UK Responsible Persons acting for multiple manufacturers, would ease the transition. Any changes should be accompanied by transparent, public performance metrics and consistent delivery.

Our response: Roles and international recognition

Greater clarity is required on the division of responsibilities between MHRA and UK Approved Bodies, particularly as international recognition (IR) routes are developed. BHTA supports IR in principle, but asks for timely, practical guidance on how any additional information will be collected, assessed, and used by the regulator and Approved Bodies, to avoid duplication and delay.

BHTA also advocates for closer alignment with trusted international regulators to reduce duplicative evidence requirements and restore the UK’s attractiveness as a launch market. In this context, the association supports making CE mark recognition permanent for medical devices in the UK without a time limit to stabilise supply chains, avoid unnecessary duplication, and maintain effective access.

“By aligning regulatory procedures and decision-making with international standards, the UK can offer businesses greater predictability, minimize duplication of evidence requirements, and accelerate product entry into the market. We firmly support the continued acceptance of CE-marked medical devices in the UK without a time limit.”

Our response: Excessive regulatory burdens

“The existence of separate legislation for medical devices in Great Britain and Northern Ireland creates an unnecessary burden. Differing requirements and duplicated regulatory submissions add complexity, raise compliance costs, and discourage innovation. This regulatory split can delay the availability of new devices in one or both regions, without delivering any clear improvements in safety or quality.”

In response to the MHRA’s question about unnecessary and excessive regulatory burdens, the BHTA also calls for improved access to expert, ‘actual-human’ advice alongside digital portals, so registrants can resolve complex issues more efficiently without ad-hoc escalation.

BHTA further supports DHSC/MHRA work to enable reuse of appropriate single-use Class I medical devices, where safe, as part of a pragmatic approach to sustainability, cost control, and patient access.

Our response: Legislation versus guidance

“Keeping regulatory detail to a minimum while expanding on it within guidance allows MHRA to respond more rapidly and effectively.”

To keep pace with technology and public health needs, BHTA favours placing more technical detail in guidance rather than in legislation. Guidance can be updated more rapidly, allowing regulators and industry to respond quickly while maintaining safety. The association also encourages early and continuous engagement with stakeholders in the development of guidance, reflecting lessons from the pandemic period when temporary flexibilities were introduced without major issues.

Our response: New regulations made under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act (MMDA)

“The shift to a cost‑recovery model occurred while MHRA was dealing with significant backlogs… any fee increases should be accompanied by more consistent and prompt delivery of MHRA services.”

The BHTA has engaged with several statutory instruments made under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act, including changes to fees and extensions for CE-compliant devices in Great Britain. Operation to date is assessed as ‘somewhat effective’. However, the shift to cost recovery coincided with backlogs, underlining the need for clear communication, adequate resourcing, and stronger performance management. Any fee increases should be accompanied by timely services and enhanced staff capability.

Ongoing engagement with the MHRA

“We strongly support MHRA’s recent renewed openness to engagement with industry, and to proactive collaboration.”

The BHTA emphasises that MHRA having ongoing dialogue with industry and patients will help ensure that regulation and guidance are workable, support innovation, and maintain safe access to medical technologies.

The wheelchair sector has responded to a recent BBC news report that highlights how thousands of people across the UK are experiencing long waiting times for crucial mobility equipment, as the NHS faces tighter budgets and higher demand.

In the most recent quarter (January-March 2025) in England, 77.9 percent of children and 80.8 percent of adults received an NHS wheelchair, or a modification to their wheelchair, within 18 weeks. This is below the 92 percent target set out by NHS England.

A large contributing factor to these delays is a lack of funding from the UK Government for vital NHS wheelchair services, which means providers do not have sufficient resources to deliver them effectively and timely.

The Wheelchair Alliance is a community interest company with a goal of improving wheelchair provision in England. Its vision is to transform the experience of wheelchair users in England through improved access, quality, and effectiveness of services.

Nick Goldup, CEO of the Wheelchair Alliance, said: “The Wheelchair Alliance is working hard to ensure people receive better provision of wheelchairs through the NHS, and we often hear of long waits for appointments and receipt of a wheelchair. Wheelchair users are often faced with a complex and complicated system to navigate.

“The NHS refers regularly to the use of Personal Wheelchair Budgets (PWBs) as a mechanism to help people receive the wheelchairs they need; however, these are very limited in their application as the rules often prevent wheelchair users from getting what they want.

“For example, in Ivy’s case, Ivy would benefit from a powerchair but would be prevented by the PWB rules from upgrading her manual chair to powered and, if she decided to take the PWB externally to buy a powered chair, the money offered by the NHS would come nowhere near to how much she would need. This results in an inequality.

“In short, PWBs can be good for people with money, but for those with limited funds they offer no solutions.

“The Wheelchair Alliance is lobbying government for ownership and accountability of wheelchair services at a senior, national level, to take responsibility for a broken system. We have also been working hard towards driving improved commissioning of services through developing a Quality Framework that we hope the NHS will use to make wheelchair provision more consistent and fair.

“Lastly, our research and reports have shown that much of the data around demand for wheelchair services is estimated. We need reliable data to form an accurate local and national picture, as well as improved budgets.”

BHTA member AJM Healthcare has also responded. AJM Healthcare is an NHS wheelchair services provider in the UK, specialising exclusively in wheelchair services.

Guy Eatherington, Business Development & Customer Relations Director at AJM Healthcare, commented: “AJM Healthcare is committed to supporting the ongoing national redevelopment and reform of wheelchair services.

“The data presented below highlights a concerning trend across the system: a significant number of service users are not receiving the equipment they need within appropriate timeframes. This delay in provision undermines both the quality of care and the independence of individuals relying on these essential services.

“One key metric of referrals received versus referrals completed, has shown a peak performance of 97 percent. However, the average completion rate over the past two years stands at just 90.59 percent, indicating a persistent gap in service delivery.

“More than three-quarters of wheelchair services across England are currently delivered by NHS trusts or other publicly funded or third-sector organisations. This reflects the significant role that non-private entities continue to play in the provision of the NHS wheelchair services provision nationwide.

“More critically, the national waiting list has grown substantially during this period. An additional 40,000 individuals have been added to waiting lists across the country, reflecting mounting pressure on services and a growing unmet need.

“AJM Healthcare recognises the urgency of these challenges and remains dedicated to working collaboratively with commissioners, providers, and service users to drive meaningful improvements. Our goal is to ensure that every individual receives timely access to the right equipment, enabling greater mobility, independence, and quality of life.”

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), added: “Stories like this are deeply concerning, and they reflect what our members tell us: demand for NHS wheelchair services is rising, but funding has not kept pace.

“Clinicians and providers work hard within tight constraints; the issue is not a lack of commitment on the frontline, but a lack of sustained, adequate investment. Without funding to meet increasing need and costs, services struggle to recruit, retain, and innovate, and people wait too long for the essential equipment that enables independence, safety, and participation in daily life.

“We urge the government to prioritise wheelchair provision by increasing budgets, setting clear national accountability for delivery, and supporting consistent commissioning so that access is fair across the country. With the right resources, the system can reduce waiting times, provide the right chair first time, and ensure that every wheelchair user receives timely, person-centred support.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has opened a call for evidence on how it should prioritise the designation of standards for medical devices in Great Britain, to inform future work under the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR) 2002.

Scope of the call

The exercise focuses on device standards used for medical devices placed on the Great Britain market. It invites views on the current list of designated standards and asks stakeholders to identify further standards that could be considered for future designation.

The MHRA states: “Designated standards are specific standards that have been officially recognised by regulatory authorities in the UK as providing a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of relevant regulations.

“When a device complies with a designated standard, the device meets relevant essential requirements the standard addresses.”

What the consultation asks

The questionnaire requests factual information on how organisations use device standards in practice, and invites detailed suggestions about the content of the designated list.

Examples include:

• Whether already-designated standards are used to support compliance with MDR 2002, and which of those are used most frequently or are considered most important.
• Whether additional, non-designated standards should be added to the designated list, with fields to specify the standard and provide supporting detail.
• Whether any standards should be removed from the current designated list.
• Whether standards should be replaced with alternatives or updated where newer editions exist.

The survey also asks respondents to rate the practical value of designated standards for market access; for example, whether using designated standards provides time savings in submission and approval processes, and whether mappings to essential requirements are useful.

Context within ongoing reforms

This activity forms part of the MHRA’s wider programme to develop the future regulatory framework for medical devices in Great Britain, aiming to prioritise patient and public safety, maintain access to needed technologies, and support innovation. Input gathered through this exercise will inform how the agency prioritises future work on designation.

Relevance for BHTA members

For organisations engaged in standards and regulatory compliance, the consultation focuses on which medical device standards are relied upon to demonstrate conformity, and where changes to the designated list could improve alignment with current practice. Designated standards remain a recognised route to demonstrating compliance with essential requirements in Great Britain.

The deadline for responses to the MHRA’s open consultation is 30 September 2025. Respond online here.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published an updated response to its consultation on statutory fees for medical devices, confirming that a new annual registration fee to support post‑market surveillance (PMS) activities will take effect from 1 April 2026. This article summarises the changes for BHTA members.

What is changing

From 1 April 2026, an annual medical device registration fee will be charged per Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) level 2 category under which a manufacturer has registered products. Where no level 2 exists, level 1 will apply.

The MHRA has confirmed that this new fee will replace the current one‑off medical device registration fee and will be calculated on the categories recorded on 1 April each year, with pro‑rata charges for any new categories added mid‑year.

The MHRA has indicated an estimated amount of £300 per category from 1 April 2026 per GMDN level 2 category (or level 1 category where no level 2 exists), and has noted that approximately 60 percent of manufacturers are expected to pay a single charge.

See the updated response, published 2 September 2025, for more information: ‘MHRA consultation on statutory fees — proposals on ongoing cost recovery: updated government response’.

The one‑off device registration fee remains in place until 31 March 2026. Current schedules, including the £261 medical device registration fee, are set out on the ‘Current MHRA fees’ page.

Why the model has changed

In its original consultation, published on 29 August 2024, the MHRA proposed an annual medical device registration charge modelled at £210 per GMDN code to fund PMS activities. Feedback from industry, including trade associations, questioned affordability and fairness across different device portfolios.

The revised approach, set at GMDN level 2, is intended to distribute costs more equitably while maintaining patient safety and supporting innovation. The consultation documents and background are available at ‘MHRA consultation on statutory fees — proposals on ongoing cost recovery’ and in the original consultation paper ‘MHRA consultation on statutory fees’.

How the new fee will be applied

Under the updated model, a manufacturer will pay once per relevant GMDN level 2 category for the charging year from 1 April to 31 March. If additional categories are added during the year, the charge for those categories will be applied on a pro‑rata basis for the remainder of the year.

Before billing begins, the MHRA will invite manufacturers to take part in a data‑cleansing exercise so they can remove obsolete or withdrawn products from the register without charge. Further guidance will be published by the MHRA to explain scope, billing mechanics, and preparation steps, according to the organisation.

The MHRA has stated that fees will continue to be paid through the Device Online Registrations System (DORS). BHTA members should ensure internal payment processes are ready for the new annual billing cycle.

A recent House of Commons debate on defibrillators has brought the life-saving role of these devices into sharp focus, highlighting not only the critical importance of timely access but also the systemic disparities and policy shortcomings that hamper their effective deployment across the UK.

The case for universal access

Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain shockingly low at around eight percent, yet early defibrillation can increase survival chances to over 70 percent. Access within three to five minutes is often the difference between life and death.

Speakers across all parties agreed that access to defibrillators is a public health necessity, not a luxury. Personal stories, like those of Jack Hurley and Dylan Rich, underscored the real-world stakes. The consensus: every community, regardless of postcode, should have timely access to these vital devices.

MPs also highlighted that not all registered devices are publicly accessible or available 24/7, with many locked in buildings during off-hours. This significantly undermines their potential impact during emergencies. There were calls for better visibility and signage in communities, particularly in schools, workplaces, and public areas.

The postcode lottery: A matter of life and death

One of the most sobering revelations was the sheer extent of regional inequalities. In constituencies like Bishop Auckland, Uxbridge, Rushcliffe, and Wolverhampton North East, more than half of all postcodes are outside the recommended access range for defibrillators.

Rural areas fare especially poorly. Constituents in some parts of North Antrim and Mid Dunbartonshire face 30-minute journeys to the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED). Even within major cities like London and Leicester, significant coverage gaps exist, particularly in deprived or high-density areas.

The debate revealed an urgent need for a national strategy that closes these gaps and ensures equitable access to defibrillators—something especially vital for BHTA members, many of whom serve vulnerable populations.

These disparities were not limited to access alone but extended to equipment quality and functionality. Cases were shared of non-functional defibrillators at critical moments, highlighting the urgent need for nationwide maintenance standards and device audits.

Community heroes and local innovation

Many MPs paid tribute to local charities and volunteers stepping in to fill the void left by insufficient government provision. Initiatives like Southport Saviours, Hearts for Herts, and Lucky2BHere have deployed hundreds of devices, often powered by tireless community fundraising.

Examples such as lamp post-powered defibrillators and bleed control kits integrated into AED cabinets showcased grassroots innovation. Some schools have gone above and beyond by ensuring their defibrillators are accessible to the public at all times—a best practice many hope to see replicated.

However, relying on volunteer efforts is neither sustainable nor equitable. Constituents in well-resourced communities benefit from better access, while those in deprived or rural areas are left behind. This grassroots energy must be matched by national policy support and funding, MPs warned.

Policy gaps and practical solutions

The debate produced a range of pragmatic policy recommendations that align closely with BHTA’s advocacy goals:

• VAT exemption: widely supported across parties, removing VAT on defibrillators and accessories would ease financial burdens on schools, places of worship, and community groups.
• National database improvements: many AEDs are not registered or are locked away during emergencies. MPs called for a real-time, reliable mapping system, like The Circuit, to ensure operational readiness.
• Planning and legal frameworks: ideas included making defibrillators mandatory in new housing developments, public buildings, and even police vehicles.
• Training requirements: several MPs advocated for compulsory CPR and defib training in schools or as part of driving tests, promoting national resilience.
• Maintenance standards: ensuring AEDs are regularly checked and functional was a recurring concern, with tragic consequences when devices fail.
• Tackling misuse and vandalism: there was cross-party support for criminalising the misuse or destruction of AEDs, recognising their life-saving potential.

Beyond these proposals, some MPs pressed for the inclusion of AEDs in emergency preparedness protocols across sectors, including education, sport, and transport. Others stressed the importance of funding for maintenance and pad/battery replacements, ongoing costs that many community groups struggle to cover.

What this means for BHTA members

For BHTA members working across medical devices, community care, and public health, the debate underscored both the urgency and opportunity in this space:

• Policy alignment: the discussion strongly validates the BHTA-led Heart Restart Tax campaign, especially around VAT reform.
• Market demand: there is clear and growing need for accessible, portable, and 24/7 available defibrillator solutions—both for public spaces and workplaces.
• Collaborative opportunity: the call for government-charity collaboration creates space for BHTA members to be key solution providers.
• Equity in healthcare: the debate supports the BHTA’s mission to ensure that health and care solutions reach everyone, not just those with postcode privilege.

This momentum offers a valuable platform for BHTA members to engage with policymakers, contribute to national mapping and training initiatives, and lead on innovation that brings AED access within reach of all communities.

Key recommendations for policymakers:

• Remove VAT on defibrillators and accessories
• Improve national AED registration and accessibility
• Mandate inclusion of AEDs in public planning frameworks
• Enforce regular maintenance standards
• Introduce CPR and AED training in schools and driving tests
• Criminalise vandalism and misuse of AEDs
• Expand public health initiatives to prevent cardiac arrests

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed GMS Mobility as a new member. GMS Mobility is a UK online retailer of ex-demonstration and used mobility scooters and powerchairs, offering a wide selection of products from small folding models to large all-terrain equipment.

The BHTA recently caught up with Georgina Wicks, Managing Director of GMS Mobility, to learn more about the company’s commitment to outstanding product quality, its dedication to providing affordable mobility solutions with comprehensive aftercare, and its decision to join the BHTA to align with shared values and strengthen customer confidence.

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GMS Mobility’s strong growth since 2018

GMS Mobility started its journey with its first pre-owned mobility scooter back in 2018. Georgina explained that the firm has seen a continual, natural growth every year since, now with over 300 hundred pre-owned and ex-demonstration mobility scooters in stock at any one time. The company boasts a team of highly skilled and dedicated staff, operating from its large HQ in Colchester. 

Founders and joint Managing Directors, father and daughter duo Georgina and Jeremy Wicks put this growth down to their core values, which is that customer service and attention to product detail are paramount.

“If you provide the very best service possible, customers will talk, return, and leave glowing online reviews,” Georgina commented.  

“We want our customers to feel no pressure whatsoever to purchase, and that the most important conversations are around understanding their needs and making sure the product is right for them to improve their quality of life. There is nothing worse than a pushy salesperson!”

A commitment to quality products and exceptional aftercare support

GMS Mobility wants every single customer to be over the moon with its service and products, so attention to product detail is a priority.

All mobility scooters are deep cleaned and go through a 25-point inspection. Batteries are discharge tested, and the chargers are PAT tested for electrical safety. On top of that, the mobility products are shrink-wrapped when delivered so as not to arrive with any dust on them.

Georgina explained: “With GMS Mobility, we want customers to have the same (actually better) experience buying a used or ex-demo product as they would a brand new one but making a considerable saving in the process!” 

Part exchange is no problem too, as GMS Mobility also offers a seamless collection on delivery service from most areas of the UK, which means customers can upgrade their mobility scooters as their needs change easily.

The company offers swift and professional delivery, with most areas of the UK covered by its free next-day delivery service. The customer’s mobility scooter or powerchair comes fully assembled, charged, and ready to ride. 

As well as ensuring high-quality used mobility products for customers, GMS Mobility is also committed to exceptional aftercare support, which is available post-delivery for any help or advice on any aspect of the product.

Georgina said: “We make sure our team is highly trained to answer any questions that may arise, making sure their journey to freedom on their fantastic used or ex-demo mobility scooter is a smooth one!” 

How being a BHTA member gives customers confidence

Jeremy and Georgina wanted to join the BHTA after seeing that not only do their core values align but they also wanted their potential customers to know about the association to give even more confidence in buying from GMS Mobility.

“It was one of the easiest business decisions we’ve ever had to make,” Georgina enthused.

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed Fen Mobility Centre as a new member. Fen Mobility Centre offers a comprehensive array of mobility solutions, alongside daily living aids, gadgets, and walking supports.

The BHTA recently caught up with Sara Cunnington, Director and Occupational Therapist at Fen Mobility Centre, to learn more about how Sara’s clinical background brings valuable expertise into the mobility sector and why being a BHTA member strengthens the company’s commitment to ethical trading, customer confidence, and keeping pace with industry developments.

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How an OT background helps deliver needs-focused mobility solutions to people

Sara has worked as an occupational therapist (OT) for 17 years across Cambridgeshire and Fenland, primarily within community settings.

“Throughout my career, I have enjoyed every element of OT practice—from leading teams and supporting professional development to working directly with patients and helping them live more independently,” Sara said.

“My passion has always been about making a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives, whether through tailored advice, practical solutions, or compassionate care.”

In 2025, Sara and her husband purchased Fen Mobility Centre, after long admiring the company’s impact within the community. This has given Sara the opportunity to bring her clinical expertise into the mobility sector, ensuring that customers benefit not only from high-quality products but also from the insight and support of someone who understands their needs from a healthcare perspective.

Sara continued: “I am proud to work alongside our excellent team to continue developing our service, expanding our product range, and ensuring that Fen Mobility Centre remains a trusted source of independence and support for our customers.”

A diverse product portfolio with excellent, person-centred services to match

Fen Mobility Centre offers a comprehensive array of mobility solutions—from mobility scooters and powerchairs to riser-recliner furniture, profiling beds, and home adaptations like stairlifts and ramps—alongside daily living aids, gadgets, and walking supports.

“Our services are as much about people as products,” Sara explained. “We provide test drives, home and showroom assessments, same-day collection or next-day delivery, setup services, equipment hire, insurance, servicing and repairs, all underpinned by a Zero Pressure Guarantee and excellent aftercare.

“With over three decades of experience, VAT-free pricing, and an onsite occupational therapist, our ethos centres on compassionate, professional support tailored to individual needs.”

Fen Mobility Centre’s recent strategic partnerships have expanded the retailer’s selection of travel-friendly mobility items, enhancing its ability to meet diverse customer requirements across Cambridgeshire and Fenland.

Having timely access to expert knowledge on changes in policy and regulations in the mobility sector

One of the key challenges for mobility businesses is keeping pace with the constant changes in policy, regulation, and best practice across the healthcare and mobility industry. This is a challenge faced not just by Fen Mobility Centre, but so many other firms in the sector.

To ensure that Fen Mobility Centre’s customers always receive safe, high-quality products and advice, the company needs to stay well informed and adaptable, Sara emphasised. Additionally, with the growth of online sales and evolving customer expectations, maintaining trust and demonstrating its commitment to ethical trading has never been more important.

Sara added: “By joining the BHTA, we gain access to expert guidance, updates on industry developments, and a network of trusted peers. This support will help us navigate regulatory changes more effectively, adopt best practices, and reinforce our promise to put customers first.

“Membership also gives us the opportunity to contribute to a collective voice that helps shape the future of our industry.”

Sara said she is especially keen to take part in BHTA webinars focused on policy and regulation, as keeping up to date in this area is essential for delivering safe, compliant, and trusted services to customers.

How BHTA membership reinforces a commitment to ethical trading

Fen Mobility Centre’s mission is to provide high-quality mobility solutions that genuinely improve the independence, safety, and wellbeing of its customers. The retailer states it is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and customer care.

Being a BHTA member means that Fen Mobility Centre can demonstrate its dedication to ethical trading, strengthen customer confidence through association with a trusted national body, and align with an organisation that shares its values.

Sara explained: “Membership will not only hold us accountable to the BHTA Code of Practice but also connect us with industry peers, best practices, and resources that will help us continue to grow responsibly while delivering exceptional service to the communities we serve.”

Connecting with industry peers

One major benefit of being a BHTA member is having the chance to network with likeminded industry peers for shared knowledge, learning, and expertise, especially at BHTA Section meetings, where relevant and important topics are discussed. This engagement opportunity is one that particularly appeals to Sara.

“I am really looking forward to engaging with the upcoming BHTA events, particularly as opportunities to connect and network with other businesses across the mobility and healthcare sector,” she commented.

“In addition, I see great value in attending BHTA events and Section meetings outside of my core area of expertise, as this will give me greater insight into parts of the healthcare landscape I don’t encounter regularly.

“By broadening my knowledge in this way, I can bring fresh perspectives back to Fen Mobility Centre and continue developing both our service and product offering.”  

Eyeing expansion

Fen Mobility Centre has exciting short-term and long-term plans for the future.

In the short term, the retailer’s focus is on enhancing and broadening its product range to meet an even wider variety of needs.

Sarah highlighted: “Alongside our core mobility and daily living equipment, we are placing greater emphasis on sensory products—items that support comfort, wellbeing, and independence not only through physical solutions but also through sensory engagement. This reflects our ongoing commitment to understanding the whole person and tailoring support that truly improves quality of life.”

Looking further ahead, Fen Mobility Centre hopes to expand beyond its single showroom, making its trusted service and ethos accessible to more communities. By opening additional locations, the retailer strives to provide the same compassionate, professional care, and high-quality product offering to a broader customer base, while maintaining the family-centred values that defines the company.

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has welcomed UDOOR as a new member. UDOOR specialises in manufacturing and installing high-quality bathtub doors and frames that can be fit into pre-existing baths.

The BHTA recently caught up with Fay Hanrahan, UK Branch Manager at UDOOR, to explore the company’s ethos; product offerings; leadership story; and commitment to safety, accessibility, and ethical business practices within the healthcare and assistive technology sector.

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How a passion for meaningful work centred around empathy led to the establishment of the UDOOR UK branch

From a young age, Fay has always been drawn to work that feels meaningful, whether it’s supporting individuals directly, helping to build stronger communities, or contributing to environmental causes.

“Living a life with purpose has always been my guiding principle, and it continues to shape the choices I make today,” Fay said.

Fay studied Psychology and Philosophy at university, two subjects that continue to deeply resonate with her. While acknowledging that, post-graduation, role-specific degrees often provide a clearer path into the job market, Fay is grateful that the route she took opened up a lot of opportunities. These included taking up a wide range of people-focused roles, both in the UK and abroad.

Fay continued: “Over the years, I’ve worked in education with children, supported vulnerable individuals, led community outreach projects, and worked with businesses to improve their outreach. Each of these roles taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen without judgement, and to communicate with clarity and care.

“These experiences helped shape my approach to leadership and reinforced my belief that empathy is not just a soft skill but a powerful tool in any role that involves people.”

When the opportunity arose to work with the founders of UDOOR to establish the UK branch, Fay jumped on the chance. Fay was involved from day one, helping to lay the foundations of the business in the UK.

“We work with customers who may be struggling with mobility or simply want to stay safe and independent in their own homes,” Fay added.

“Knowing that the UDOOR can make people’s lives safer and, for some, help them stay at home for longer is incredibly rewarding.

“I’ve worn a lot of hats, from customer care and marketing to navigating governmental processes and collaborating with local authorities, which has become an increasingly important part of our work and given me a deep appreciation of how all the moving parts come together.”

Since launching the UK branch, UDOOR has successfully expanded into several other countries, an evolution that Fay is proud to have played a part in.

Making baths safer and accessible – without a full renovation or major disruption

UDOOR specialises in manufacturing and installing high-quality bathtub doors and frames that can be fit into pre-existing baths. The UDOOR was designed to be installed into a wide range of baths, including corner baths and freestanding baths.

There are two main products:

1. The UDOOR bathtub door, a fully watertight door for bathing and showering.
2. The UDOOR frame, a low-threshold, doorless option for shower-only use.

“Our ethos is centred on improving safety and accessibility in the home without unnecessary disruption,” Fay explained.

Since the bath stays put, there is no need for a full renovation. Installation takes less than a day, and the bath is ready to use the next day.

UDOOR’s main customers are elderly individuals, people with reduced mobility, people with chronic health conditions, and those who want to be safe and remain independent at home.

The firm works closely with individuals, families, occupational therapists, and local authorities across England, Wales, and parts of Scotland. 

Why becoming a BHTA member builds credibility with customers

Fay first came across the BHTA while actively looking for a recognised, reputable, and trusted trade association that aligned with UDOOR’s values and high standards.

“We work with individuals who may be vulnerable or concerned about their safety at home, so building credibility and demonstrating our commitment to high standards is incredibly important to us,” Fay emphasised. “We want customers, carers, and professionals to feel confident in our products and the way we do business.”

Fay added that working with the BHTA also strengthens UDOOR’s voice when working with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and businesses that share a commitment to a safe, ethical service.

Helping older people to integrate technology into their everyday lives

UDOOR constantly works to improve the way it uses technology in its processes in its factories, with its teams, and how the firm interacts with customers.

Over the years, Fay has noticed a global shift towards integrating technology with everyday life. She underlined that this is something many older individuals struggle with.

UDOOR greatly values the BHTA’s guidance and support in navigating these challenges.

Keeping up to date with relevant industry information

Fay looks forward to joining BHTA webinars to stay informed and connected with the wider industry. She is also keen to attend future events to keep up with changes, share insights, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

She added: “On a personal level, I’m looking forward to taking part in upcoming BHTA events, which I hope will be great opportunity to build connections and share what we’ve learned along the way.”

Looking ahead

As for UDOOR’s future plans, the firm is continuing to focus on improving its customer service and growing its team to meet increasing demand. Further international expansion is also on the horizon, and UDOOR is currently testing new variations of its product to meet a wider range of preferences.

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To find out more about how the BHTA can support your business and how to become a BHTA member, visit this page.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Access to Disability Equipment has launched its first inquiry to explore the barriers preventing people with disabilities from accessing the medical equipment they need.

The inquiry aims to support policy discussions and recommendations that improve access to essential community equipment, reduce inequalities, and promote best practice and innovation in commissioning, funding, and service delivery.

It will focus on four key areas:

1. Meeting needs and patient experience: Exploring how effectively current community equipment services support the practical and everyday needs of disabled children and adults, including the impact on families and carers.
2. Equity and access: Investigating regional and systemic variations in access to equipment and examining issues of fairness, consistency, and the influence of postcode based differences.
3. Systemic barriers and delays: Identifying key challenges such as staffing, training, and process inefficiencies and how these hinder timely access to appropriate equipment.
4. Commissioning, integration, and innovation: Evaluating current funding levels and commissioning models, the integration of equipment services with health, social care, and education, and opportunities for improvement.

As part of the inquiry, the APPG has launched a call for evidence, open until 22 August. The APPG is inviting professionals including medical equipment suppliers and healthcare workers as well as individuals with disabilities, their families, and carers to participate. To contribute, complete this short survey accessible via this link.

Commenting, Daniel Francis MP, Chair of the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment said: “For someone with a disability, access to medical equipment is a lifeline. It enables independent living and brings dignity, opportunity, and freedom. So it is deeply upsetting that so many people in the UK can’t get the equipment they need.

“Everyone should have access to the right equipment at the right time.

“But for this to happen, we must truly understand the root causes of these prevailing barriers to access impacting so many families. This means hearing directly from those impacted, including the carers, professionals, and equipment suppliers all working to make the provision of essential medical equipment more efficient, effective, faster and fairer for all those who depend on it.”

The inquiry questions are seeking answers to the following seven broad themes:

• How well does current community equipment provision meet the needs of patients and families?
• How equitable and consistent is access to community equipment across regions and systems?
• What barriers and challenges limit timely and appropriate access to equipment?
• What are the consequences of delays or gaps in provision, particularly for children and young people?
• How effective and sustainable are current funding, commissioning, and procurement models?
• How well is equipment provision integrated with wider health, social care, and education services?
• What opportunities exist to improve services through better collaboration, design, and user involvement?

The BHTA and Newlife, supported by Tendo, helped parliamentarians launch the APPG for Disability Equipment Access on 14 May 2025. Find out more about the inaugural APPG meeting and BHTA’s involvement in this post.

Trusted Assessing and Care Training (TACT) has announced that its accredited Trusted Assessor course for retailers, which launched in February 2024 in collaboration with the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), will be available online this autumn.

Approved by OCN London at level three, the ‘Trusted Assessor: Assessing in a Retail Environment’ course is designed to enable retail staff selling daily living equipment to become certified Trusted Assessors to provide ethical and reliable advice.

For BHTA members, the course is an excellent opportunity for retail staff to become knowledgeable and qualified Trusted Assessors to handle simple daily living equipment assessments and to know when to refer more complex cases to an occupational therapist (OT).

Many retailers are used to undertaking in-home visits to identify suitable equipment and adaptations, and TACT’s dedicated Trusted Assessor course recognises that work by adding new skills in line with a recognised quality standard.

Once qualified as Trusted Assessors, retail staff can be formally integrated into local health and social care pathways, growing the network of people qualified to support older and disabled people to live independently in the community.

Brett Gilham, from BHTA member Laybrook, commented: “We know how busy many OTs are and therefore the fact that we can demonstrate we have been trained and can provide assistance in the assessment process will benefit all parties. It also means that our staff across all levels have been trained to a set standard for assessing.”

For members of the public, the Trusted Assessor qualification conveys an independent quality standard. Older and disabled people, their friends, and families can be confident that a person’s needs are being fully understood and that appropriate equipment and adaptations are being identified to help promote greater independence.

Alastair Gibbs, the director of TPG DisableAids, which is a BHTA member, said: “For TPG DisableAids the Trusted Assessor scheme has been a real boost. We have various staff trained from Level 2 to Level 4 and it has given us some real credibility with a number of housing associations and local authorities.

“Those that were looking for a differentiator and an indicator of commitment to quality found it in our association to BHTA and Trusted Assessor.”

Learners are on-boarded onto TACT’s learning management system where they complete the pre-course modules. A series of three OT-led two-hour webinars must be attended in order; learners then complete a post-course homework assignment to demonstrate what they have learned.

TACT’s OT Trainers are on-hand for support throughout, and TACT’s monthly webinar programme tops up knowledge for newly qualified Trusted Assessors for 12 months after qualification.

From autumn 2025, there are a range of available dates for retail staff to take the Trusted Assessor course online.

The first set of dates is Wednesday 10 September, Thursday 25 September, and Wednesday 8 October.

The second set of dates is Wednesday 22 October, Thursday 6 November, and Friday 21 November.

Places on these open courses cost £245 + VAT. Retailers should contact TACT if they have a larger group for a bespoke quotation.

The course can also be delivered as a one-day course face-to-face on a date of the retailers’ choice. All TACT’s trainers are OTs.

To find out more or to book a place on the Trusted Assessor course online or in person, call TACT on 01626 879528 or email info@trustedassessing.com

NHS England has released its ‘NHS Social Value Playbook’, a practical 46‑page guide that shows commissioning and procurement teams – and the businesses that serve them – how to place social, economic, and environmental value at the heart of every contract.

Published on 14 July 2025, the document translates policy into step‑by‑step actions across the buying lifecycle, from early planning to post‑award performance management.

Why a playbook – and why now?

Since 2020, all NHS contracts above £5 million have carried a minimum mandatory 10 percent net zero and social value weighting.

Feedback gathered by NHS England, however, revealed that many purchasing teams still felt uncertain about designing meaningful questions, evaluating responses, and measuring delivery, while suppliers wanted clearer, more consistent expectations around social value.

The new playbook responds to both groups by providing usable text, worked examples, and links to templates.

What the playbook covers

The guidance discusses each stage of the commissioning or procurement journey. It begins with business‑case development, urging buyers to identify which of the government’s eight social value themes – for instance “Fighting Climate Change” and “Tackling Inequality” – can best advance local and national health priorities. It then recommends collaborative pre‑market engagement so suppliers can help refine the brief and flag disproportionate requirements.

For the tender itself, the document supplies example questions and scoring matrices that reflect suppliers’ different sizes and capabilities. Importantly, it allows commissioners to elevate a theme, such as modern slavery prevention, from “added value” to a core contract requirement when risks or opportunities justify the move. This flexibility, the playbook states, is central to making social value business as usual rather than an afterthought.

The final chapters focus on contract management. They show how to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time‑bound key performance indicators, linking them to payment milestones and improvement plans. An annex lists ready‑made metrics – for example tonnes of carbon avoided or number of apprenticeships created – that buyers can lift directly into their agreements, as an example.

Defining social value

“Applying social value provides NHS commissioning and buying teams the unique opportunity to improve patients’ lives and the communities they live in through how we buy and the way we manage contracts,” the guide notes, adding that it can drive the supply chain “to deliver additional social, economic and environmental benefits alongside their commercial commitments.”

Fit with wider policy

The playbook aligns with the 2025 refresh of the UK Government’s Social Value Model and supports the NHS 10‑Year Health Plan’s commitments on sustainability and health inequality.

Implications for suppliers

For companies selling to the NHS – including BHTA members – the document spells out the evidence buyers will look for, stresses that proportionality matters when smaller firms compete, and warns that carbon reduction plans and anti‑modern‑slavery measures may be mandatory rather than nice to have.

Suppliers that embed social value into product design, service delivery, and reporting will therefore be better placed to demonstrate compliance and stand out in future tenders.