BOLTON companies could benefit from lucrative NHS contracts worth over £2.2 billion if they were able to better meet the required NHS procurement standards.

In an effort to secure more of the NHS business in the region, a new programme called "In:tend" has been developed to help local firms improve standards, which will enable them to more effectively compete for local NHS contracts.

In:tend is run by Groundwork EBS, with support from NHS purchasing experts. The programme is open to small to medium businesses in the North West and is designed to raise operational standards and reduce health, safety and environmental problems.

Those that do participate will receive business development training and will be placed on to the In:tend database, which will increase the opportunities for them to win NHS business.