Turning market intelligence into better estates and facilities decisions

At a glance

Category: Estates, Facilities Management and Corporate Services

Project: EFCS Quarterly Market Intelligence Report

Customers: NHS trusts and public sector organisations

Format: Quarterly digital report

Reach: Accessed and shared by more than 100 NHS trusts and public sector bodies

Focus: Market trends, economic outlook, regulatory updates, sustainability and innovation

Key benefits: Better-informed procurement, improved benchmarking, stronger risk management and support for NHS net zero and value-for-money ambitions

The challenge

Estates and facilities teams operate in a fast-changing market shaped by inflation, supply chain pressures, sustainability requirements and changing supplier capability. For NHS organisations, understanding these trends is essential. Procurement decisions in areas such as facilities management, waste, transport and corporate services can impact operational resilience, cost and the quality of environments experienced by patients and staff.

However, trusts do not always have the time or resources to gather and interpret market intelligence independently.

NHS LPP identified an opportunity to bring relevant data and insight together in one accessible resource, giving estates, facilities and procurement teams a clearer view of market conditions and helping them make evidence-based decisions.

Our approach

The EFMCS team created a quarterly Market Intelligence Report combining data from national sources, including ONS statistics, with NHS supplier and contract information, market research and direct feedback from trusts and suppliers.

The team analyses and translates this information into practical insight covering economic conditions, market trends, sustainability, innovation, cost drivers and procurement opportunities.

Stakeholder engagement has been central to the report’s development. Trusts have contributed through member forums, surveys, structured feedback and direct discussions, helping the team identify emerging issues and areas where additional intelligence would be useful.

Draft findings have also been shared with contributors for validation, helping ensure that the report remains relevant and grounded in the challenges facing NHS estates and facilities teams.

The report is distributed digitally through NHS LPP’s website, direct communications and professional networks. It is freely available to NHS staff working in estates, facilities and corporate services, encouraging organisations to share intelligence and learn from each other.

The impact

The report has been accessed and shared by more than 100 NHS trusts and public sector organisations, with engagement increasing between editions.

Trusts have used its insights to benchmark costs, identify savings opportunities, strengthen procurement workplans and assess supplier performance. The report has also helped organisations identify cost variations, prepare for contract renewals and explore opportunities to aggregate demand.

Its supplier intelligence supports more informed selection decisions, while market analysis helps trusts anticipate risks and avoid potential service disruption.

Sustainability is another important focus. The report highlights market developments and supplier approaches that can support NHS net zero ambitions, helping trusts consider areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and more sustainable procurement.

The report has also encouraged collaboration between estates, procurement and other teams by giving stakeholders a shared evidence base for planning and decision-making.

Why it matters

Estates and facilities services underpin the safe and effective delivery of healthcare. From cleaning and waste management to transport and the physical estate, reliable services help create environments where staff can work effectively and patients can receive care.

Better market intelligence enables NHS organisations to make stronger commercial decisions before problems arise.

By providing a regular, shared view of market conditions, NHS LPP helps trusts identify risks, challenge costs, plan procurement more effectively and learn from developments across the wider sector.

The model also demonstrates the value of sharing intelligence rather than requiring individual organisations to undertake the same research separately. As more trusts contribute and engage, the breadth and usefulness of the insight can continue to grow.

Find out more

To view the latest report and previous editions, please visit our website. To find out how our Estates, Facilities Management and Corporate Services team can support your organisation with market intelligence and procurement, please contact us at gstt.lppefps1@nhs.net