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.

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.

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

BHTA members involved in community equipment, independent living aids, mobility support, and assistive technology services are encouraged to review this tender opportunity from Cheshire West and Chester Council for an integrated community equipment service across Cheshire West, Cheshire East, and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board users.

The service includes a wide range of community equipment, from simple daily living aids such as wheeled walkers, raised toilet seats, and commodes, through to more complex equipment including profiling beds, hoists, and specialised seating. Equipment will be provided to individuals for short- or long-term use, depending on assessed need, and will be collected, refurbished, recycled, or replaced when no longer required.

The contract is intended to support the timely provision of community equipment, helping people live safely and independently at home, supporting hospital discharge, preventing avoidable admissions, and assisting carers.

Key details

• Reference: 2026/S 000-043096
• Value: £34,200,000 including VAT
• Duration: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031, with possible extensions to 31 March 2033

Contract details

The council is procuring a loan-based community equipment service covering the full lifecycle of loaned equipment. Equipment will be used by eligible service users across the participating local authority and health partners.

This is an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 and is being run under the light touch regime. Cheshire West and Chester Council will hold the contract and pay invoices, with Cheshire East Council and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board also able to call off equipment through the service.

The contract is demand based, with no guaranteed volumes or product types. The successful provider must be able to supply all listed items, as well as specials where required. The tender allows for additional and different equipment to be called off during the contract period to meet changing service user needs.

Eligibility

This tender is suitable for SMEs and larger providers able to deliver a full loan-based community equipment service, manage equipment lifecycle requirements, respond to variable demand, and source specialist items where needed.

Evaluation

The tender will be evaluated on price, weighted at 50 percent; quality, weighted at 40 percent; and social value, weighted at 10 percent.

Providers may be able to sign up to an early payment scheme, with details available in the tender pack.

How to apply

Submit tenders electronically via The Chest.

Tenders and questions must be submitted by 10am on 11 June 2026.

Access the full tender documentation, including specifications and terms, through the portal link above.

Enquiries should be directed to Cheshire West and Chester Council: centralprocurement@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.