15 September 2025
As the UK faces growing challenges of demand, workforce and innovation adoption, a panel of experts argue that now is the moment to create a coherent framework that positions the NHS as a global partner of choice.
In a new white paper, published by Healthcare World and Browne Jacobson, the panels sets out how an ‘NHS front door’ and a robust investment framework could transform inward investment into a driver of innovation, capacity and sustainability for the NHS. Advancing Inward Investment into the UK Health Sector sets out 8 key recommendations to make the UK healthcare system more attractive to overseas investors while ensuring inward investment delivers tangible benefits for patients and the public.
The report provides a roadmap aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, offering clear policy and practice solutions for system leaders. Its recommendations include:
1. A centralised NHS “front door” for investment – Overseas partners need a single accessible point of entry to navigate the system.
2. A central NHS business development unit – Trade and investment conversations must be consistent, structured and internationally literate.
3. Aligning inward investment with public value – A transparent framework, similar to existing medicines pricing schemes, will ensure private partnerships serve NHS priorities.
4. Accelerating regulatory agility – Post-Brexit freedoms and MHRA capacity should be used to fast-track safe MedTech and digital innovation.
5. Harnessing NHS data responsibly – A UK health data strategy, coupled with clear legal frameworks for international collaboration, is key to unlocking value.
6. Simplifying procurement across the NHS – Fragmented and inconsistent processes are among the biggest barriers to international investors.
7. Recognising people as investment – Internationally trained professionals must be integrated through a streamlined, sustainable workforce strategy.
8. Embedding prevention and innovation – Partnerships should help the NHS shift from sickness care to preventative, digitally enabled health systems.
Following two roundtable sessions that included NHS leaders, policymakers, regulators and private sector voices, the report revealed a consensus: the NHS must welcome international investment, but on NHS terms – anchored in public value, long-term sustainability, and alignment with founding principles.
Healthcare World Managing Director Steve Gardner says:
“The recommendations outlined in this report provide a comprehensive framework for attracting international investment in a way that strengthens the health system while ensuring the NHS remains true to its core mission: providing high-quality, equitable care to all.
“With bold aspirations and targeted actions, the NHS has the opportunity to transform its capacity and innovation potential, driving better outcomes for patients, empowering healthcare professionals, improving the prevention of ill health and securing the future of the healthcare system for generations to come.
“Strategic inward investment is not about privatisation—it is about unlocking innovation and modernising care. These recommendations give the NHS a route map to build new models of care with international partners who share our values.”
Gerard Hanratty, Head of Health and Life Sciences at Browne Jacobson, says:
“By leveraging its global reputation, infrastructure and expertise, the NHS can attract investment to secure its long-term sustainability.
“Welcoming investment in research, infrastructure, digital health and clinical trials can help to embed innovation within the NHS and ensure the health system contributes to the government’s broader missions.
“Inward investment must be approached with care and responsibility, however. It is about more than funding – it is about building collaborations that enhance services, benefit patients and the workforce, and strengthen the NHS to ensure it is ‘fit for the future’.
“It is about creating value for the public while ensuring the NHS remains true to its founding principles.”
The report features contributions from senior leaders at organisations including NHS England, NHS Confederation, Department for Business and Trade, General Medical Council International, Medilink, Fuller & Forbes Healthcare Group, The Learnery, Health Care First Partnership, Linea and Modality.
The White Paper will be showcased at upcoming Healthcare World Forums and at WHX Dubai, where global investors and policymakers will discuss how to translate these recommendations into practice.
Read the full report here: https://healthcareworld.com/publications/
About Healthcare World
Healthcare World is a global healthcare consultancy and convenor, supporting partners and clients with their international growth and expansion strategies. Through its unique blend of market intelligence, introductions, and high-level networking, Healthcare World enables organisations to access new markets and forge lasting collaborations across the world’s most dynamic health economies.
At the heart of this activity are the Healthcare World Forums — flagship gatherings that bring together ministers, policymakers, providers, investors, and innovators to address system-level priorities and shape actionable outcomes. Insights from these Forums are developed into white papers and high-level strategic reports, ensuring that discussions translate into practical roadmaps for change and long-term impact.
Healthcare World also publishes the world’s leading international healthcare magazine, distributed to more than 500,000 senior stakeholders worldwide and showcased at major global events including WHX Dubai, GITEX Global, HIMSS, and Global Health Riyadh.
About Browne Jacobson
Browne Jacobson is a leading UK and Ireland law firm with international reach working in partnership with its clients. The firm provides pragmatic advice and creative solutions-driven support, enabling clients to focus on what matters to them. Leveraging its national and international reach, its lawyers advise a diverse client base including:
• Corporates – from entrepreneurs and SMEs to large UK and international companies
• Insurers and financial services businesses
• NHS bodies and independent healthcare businesses
• Education organisations
• Central and local government and other public bodies
The firm supports, influences, and impacts positive change across business and society by connecting and improving outcomes for every person, community, and business it serves. Its focus on well-being and individuality alongside its commitment to social mobility, diversity and inclusion ensures all its people can thrive.
For further information, interviews and comment please contact Sarah Cartledge, PR & Editorial Director: sarah@healthcareworld.com