The Smart Way:
Transforming healthcare through effective, clinically led digital systems.

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we proudly join the global movement to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. At SmartCo Consulting, we recognise that neurodivergent individuals bring invaluable perspectives, creativity and strengths to our team. By celebrating these unique skills and talents, we foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Through sharing insights, experiences and success stories, we aim to inspire others to embrace neurodiversity and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world. Together, we can build environments where differences are not only accepted but celebrated as vital to innovation and growth. Being neurodivergent means that my brain works differently from others, and it’s something I’ve learned to embrace. I don’t think in the same linear, traditional way many people do, and that’s where my unique strengths come into play. While others may take a set path to evaluate and solve a problem, I can approach it from a completely different direction and still arrive at the desired outcome – sometimes even quicker or with a new perspective that others might not see. Growing up, school was strange because people didn’t understand my way of thinking, and I often struggled to fit into traditional learning styles. I could always get to the right answer, but I didn’t follow the same paths others did, which made me feel different. This difference, while frustrating at times, has shaped the way I work today. I’ve learned to adapt and find methods that suit my brain’s unique wiring. However, working at a company like SmartCo, where inclusion and diverse thinking are truly valued, has made a huge difference. SmartCo supports everyone’s unique approach, whether right or wrong, and fosters an environment of open, collaborative thinking. This mindset not only makes me feel seen and valued but also encourages innovation and creative solutions that might not be found in a more traditional work environment. It also helps me connect with others who think differently, creating a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. This approach allows for the best outcomes for both the business and our clients. My neurodivergence isn’t something that holds me back – if anything, it allows me to bring fresh ideas, creative solutions, and different perspectives to the table, ultimately contributing to a more innovative, successful and dynamic team. I feel empowered to be my true self at work, knowing my unique way of thinking is not only accepted but celebrated. Henry Darch, Client Services Consultant For much of my life, I felt out of sync with those around me. From a very young age I worried to an excessive level and felt I had to hide my true self. I would make promises to myself that today would be the day I tell people I am different. This went on throughout primary school, secondary school and university years. My mind constantly shifted between excitement, worry, anxiety and hyper-focus. After my ADHD diagnosis three years ago, things finally made sense, I met my true self who I had been suppressing probably since the age of 6. While I felt relieved, I also faced realisations about ADHD misconceptions, especially in women and young girls. Of course I have spent the past 3 years researching inside out! ADHD is often seen as a condition affecting hyperactive boys, leaving many girls and women undiagnosed, living their lives confused. As a result, many women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when ADHD is the true cause. Women with ADHD may be labelled as daydreamers or ‘scatterbrained’. Many have spent their lives masking ADHD struggles from a very young age; by overworking or hyper-focusing at the last minute, trying to pretend to be the person they think they should be. This is exhausting and leaves people questioning – who am I? ADHD is both empowering and exhausting. It fuels my energy, creativity and resilience but also brings mental fatigue, self-doubt and overwhelm. With SmartCo’s support, I’ve embraced strategies like working with my natural rhythms, using reminders and seeking community support. At SmartCo, I feel valued for who I am. ADHD isn’t a flaw; it’s a different way of thinking. My diagnosis gave me permission to embrace my brain, and having SmartCo as a truly inclusive and understanding employer has empowered me to thrive. Taja Quigley, Partner SmartCo Support We are committed to fostering a workplace where every individual feels safe, supported and empowered to be their authentic self without fear of judgment. We understand that true inclusivity means embracing different perspectives, and ways of thinking. In particular, we recognise the immense value that neurodiversity brings to our organisation. Individuals with unique cognitive profiles – such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other neurological differences – contribute exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills and fresh approaches to challenges. By embracing these strengths, we create an environment where innovation thrives, and individuals are encouraged to contribute their full potential. To support this, we are committed to implementing inclusive practices that enable everyone to excel. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, clear communication strategies, tailored support systems, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. By valuing these differences and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed, we empower our team to collaborate effectively, unlock their strengths, and achieve shared goals. About SmartCo Consulting SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

Navigating the Procurement Act 2023: Immediate Steps for SMEs in Digital Healthcare As a leading digital healthcare consultancy, with 80% of our client base consisting of NHS customers, we have been closely monitoring government updates regarding the Procurement Act 2023. This Act, which came into effect on 24th February 2025, introduces key considerations for our sector. Historically, the NHS has allocated a smaller proportion of its budget – around 20% – to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compared to other government departments. This has often been attributed to restrictive compliance rules, closed frameworks, excessive bureaucracy and confusion for new market entrants. The new procurement regulations aim to make public sector contracts more accessible to SMEs and encourage a greater number of bids. 1. Future-proofing Access to Frameworks We are currently listed on several frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), including CCS, LPP, NHS SBS and HealthTrust Europe-hosted agreements. The Procurement Act introduces a shift towards more open frameworks, designed to remain accessible in the long term and allow new suppliers to join at any point during the framework’s lifecycle. It is common for vendors to express frustration when requests for proposals (RFPs) are routed through obscure frameworks, which may be closed to new entrants for up to four years. These frameworks often have limited entry windows, effectively preventing smaller or newer suppliers from accessing substantial business opportunities. This, in turn, can result in the NHS missing out on innovative suppliers offering competitive prices. SmartCo Top Tip: Although existing agreements can still be used, it is crucial to research and plan for future open frameworks. Most major framework providers share their release plans on their websites, making it easier to stay informed. 2. Understanding Debarment and Compliance Requirements The Procurement Act 2023 imposes stricter rules to exclude suppliers from public procurement if they pose specific risks. In cases of major breaches, suppliers risk being added to the new central debarment list, leading to automatic exclusion from all public procurement contracts for up to five years. There are also discretionary and mandatory exclusion measures related to competition practices. SmartCo Top Tip: To avoid exclusion or debarment on competition grounds, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of competition law and ensure full compliance 3. Signing Up for the Find a Tender Platform Find a Tender is the central digital platform for tenders and business registration, which has been updated in line with the new Act. Suppliers must re-register on the updated platform to access its new features. The platform stores compliance information that contracting authorities require to allow access to bids. Once registered, this information can be reused multiple times. SmartCo Top Tip: The registration process is quick and straightforward, so we recommend completing it as soon as possible. Registration can be found on the GOV.UK website. SmartCo Summary These are essential steps to ensure you are fully prepared for the Procurement Act. It’s crucial to remain agile to avoid missing opportunities while staying ahead of the additional compliance requirements. There are also other key changes to consider, including new evaluation criteria, social value considerations, increased transparency and a simplified bidding process. These should be carefully balanced with the new opportunities the Act presents, particularly its emphasis on SME inclusion and open market principles. About SmartCo Consulting SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services.

In today’s world, the role of philanthropy and social value in client relationships and successful procurements has never been more significant. Organisations across both public and private sectors are placing greater emphasis on these intangible contributors. This trend mirrors the rapid rise of environmental responsibility on organisational priority lists over the last two decades. While changes in government policy and industry incentives have played a role, I believe the cultural shift within businesses is equally important. Companies are no longer just ticking the philanthropic box; they are genuinely investing in causes that matter to their staff and those within their business network. How Do Small Businesses Fit into This Changing Landscape? Large organisations have the luxury of creating tailor-made foundations and funding long-term grants, ensuring close alignment with their priorities. But what about smaller businesses? How can they deliver effective philanthropic impact? Smart Approach Inspired by SmartCo’s approach, I believe in focusing on community-driven, targeted initiatives that align closely with our values and are within our means. By prioritising these initiatives, we can ensure that our efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable. This means engaging with local communities to understand their unique needs and challenges, and then tailoring our projects to address those specific areas. By aligning our initiatives with our core values, we reinforce our commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices. This approach not only benefits the communities we serve but also strengthens our brand reputation and fosters a sense of pride and purpose among our team members. Identify It all starts with encouraging staff to identify causes and initiatives that resonate with them or their clients. By empowering our team members to choose causes they are passionate about, we tap into their intrinsic motivation and commitment. Often, these causes are within our own or the client’s locality, fostering a shared sense of purpose and community. This collaborative approach ensures that our efforts are relevant and meaningful to those directly involved. Moreover, it helps build a culture of social responsibility within our organisation, where everyone feels they have a stake in making a difference. Partner Collaborate with partners to identify how the business’s strengths can align with and support the philanthropic need. By working closely with our partners, we can pinpoint areas where our unique capabilities can make the most significant impact. This might include skills-based volunteering, in-kind donations or organising community events, all of which help maximise the company’s contribution. By collaborating with our partners and aligning our strengths with their needs, we can ensure that our philanthropic efforts are both strategic and effective. This approach not only maximises our contribution but also strengthens our relationships with our partners and the communities we serve. Together, we can achieve more and create a positive, lasting impact. Deliver A cornerstone of effective delivery is admitting what we don’t know, trusting local charities and on-the-ground organisations. Recognising our limitations is crucial, as it allows us to collaborate more effectively with those who have the expertise and experience to make a real difference. No matter how well-meaning a business is, these organisations will always drive more effective, demonstrable and meaningful impact. Local charities and on-the-ground organisations have a deep understanding of the communities they serve. By partnering with them, we can leverage their knowledge and resources to ensure our initiatives are both relevant and impactful. These organisations often have established trust and credibility within the community, which can be invaluable in achieving our goals. This local expertise ensures that our efforts are not only well-intentioned but also practical and effective. Smart Collaboration By engaging employees, partnering with local charities, and leveraging their unique capabilities, small companies can deliver targeted and effective philanthropic programmes, and make a significant difference in their communities. This approach not only strengthens ties within their business network but also allows them to contribute to causes that align with their values and local communities. It proves that impactful philanthropy is within reach for businesses of all sizes.   About SmartCo Consulting SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

We are thrilled to announce Lee Cummings has joined SmartCo as Operations and Contracts Manager. Wishing you a warm welcome from the entire SmartCo team. We sat down with Lee to ask him a few questions about his career path, his role at SmartCo and what he’s most looking forward to about joining. Hi Lee. What has been your background leading up to SmartCo? My career journey began with a background in back-office administration/management for a criminal law firm. While working full time at the law firm I opened a florist with my sister who dealt with the day to day running of the florist. I worked there on weekends and dealt with the business side of things. I then moved into the NHS within the Clinical Governance and audit department and from there I joined Nautilus Consulting Ltd to take care of all back-office Operations including Accounts, Contracts and HR. Within one year of joining, I was promoted to Operations Manager. After 6 years of working at Nautilus, we were then acquired by Accenture where I was a major part of the transition which took around 1 year. I am now excited to have joined SmartCo where I plan to help the company grow further with my gained experiences. What is your new role and key responsibilities? I’m joining the Finance and Operations team as the Operations and Contracts Manager, providing further capacity to support SmartCo’s expanding consulting and delivery projects. Briefly, my key roles and responsibilities include supporting Finance and all operational processes. What excites you most about being part of the team? I’m really looking forward to working with some amazing people here at SmartCo and helping the company build its already exceptional reputation. What attracted you to SmartCo? SmartCo promotes a friendly and inclusive environment, encouraging innovative teamwork as well as providing opportunities to make a significant impact. The supportive culture fosters strong connections within the team, making you feel truly valued. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Many of my close family live in Cornwall, so I try to travel down to see them as much as possible (it’s a bonus as it’s also a beautiful place to visit). I love to watch movies, old classics and new – and also like to watch as many Premier league matches on TV as I can without getting moaned at 😉 I also love to spend time with my family, going on Sunday morning woods walks with my wife and 2 boys.