Call for evidence: How techUK SMEs can deliver the 10-Year Plan
At techUK, we know that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the forefront of digital innovation in the UK health and care system. With agility, creativity, and cutting-edge technology, SMEs are uniquely positioned to help deliver on the ambitions of the recently published 10-Year Plan for Health.
To showcase the role of SMEs, techUK is developing a new evidence pack that highlights real-world case studies from our members. This publication will explore how digital innovation is transforming health and care delivery, improving outcomes, and building a more resilient healthcare system fit for the 21st Century.
Deadline for submission is August 11th – we will not be able to accept any applications after this deadline.
Why This Matters
This project aims to:
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Showcase SME-led innovation in digital health
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Demonstrate tangible support for SME growth and scale
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Highlight how larger members are enabling SME partnerships
Who Can Participate?
We are inviting submissions from:
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SMEs – Defined as companies with fewer than 250 employees and less than £54 million in turnover.
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Large companies with an SME partnership model – Must clearly explain how they support SME engagement and include a real-world example.
All submissions must demonstrate clear alignment with the 10-Year Plan and show measurable impact or implementation. Only submissions from techUK members will be considered.
What We’re Looking For:
The paper will be structured around the key pillars of the 10-Year Health Plan. We are seeking case studies that address one or more of the following areas:
1. From Hospital to Community: The Neighbourhood Health Service, Designed Around You
Focus:
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Prevention and early intervention
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Transitioning care from hospitals into the community
2. From Analogue to Digital: Power in Your Hands
Focus:
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Empowering citizens with digital tools and self-management solutions
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Delivering integrated care using digital platforms, devices, and services
3. From Sickness to Prevention: Power to Make the Healthy Choice
Focus:
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Expanding access and tackling health inequalities
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Deploying diagnostics and preventative tools
4. An NHS Workforce Fit for the Future
Focus:
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Supporting digital skills development for NHS staff
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Implementing AI and digital tools to boost workforce capacity and resilience
5. Powering Transformation: Innovation to Drive Reform
Focus:
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Enabling data-driven decision-making
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Leveraging AI, genomics, wearables, robotics, and digital tools to accelerate clinical trials
6. Productivity and a New Financial Foundation
Focus:
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Tackling NHS productivity challenges through digital innovation
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Boosting efficiency and system-wide capacity
7. Partnership in Action: How SMEs and Primes Can Work Together
We want to highlight successful SME–Large business partnerships, particularly where large companies are creating pathways for SMEs to collaborate, innovate, and scale.
How to Submit a Case Study
To be featured in the paper, SMEs and partners are invited to complete our techUK Evidence Pack forms which capture:
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Organisation information
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A brief summary of the case study
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Alignment with the 10-Year Plan
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Details of the challenge, solution, impact, and lessons learned
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Where large businesses have partnered with SMEs
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Submissions should be clear, focused, and include measurable outcomes where possible.
SME’s should complete this form to submit a case study
Large Businesses should complete this form to submit a partnership example
All case studies will be reviewed by the techUK Health & Social Care team. The final decision to include your submission within the evidence pack resides with the techUK Health & Social Care Programme team.
What’s Next?
The final evidence pack will be launched at techUK’s upcoming Health & Social Care summit on 2nd October. The pack will be promoted across industry and policy networks to:
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Highlight the power of SME innovation
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Provide insight for policymakers and commissioners
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Drive new partnerships across the health tech ecosystem
We look forward to showcasing the very best of SME innovation and partnership as we work together to deliver a more digital, data-driven, and patient-centred health system.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Robert Walker
Viola Pastorino
Rachel Kennedy
Francesca Richiusa
Robert Walker
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
- [email protected]
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Rachel Kennedy
Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.
Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.
Francesca Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/