Deal or no deal: why a professional negotiator is essential

Like it or love it, the healthcare business in the UK now centres around contracts, agreements and settlements. Whether it's the NHS Standard Contract, dental contracts or Personal Dental Service Agreements, everything requires careful negotiation to get the best deal for your business.

Such negotiations invariably require detailed preparation, an in-depth knowledge of the procedures and a good understanding of what is likely (and unlikely) to be accepted. In other words it's a task for an expert, which is why more and more businesses are using the professional negotiation services of Amanda Atkin of Atkinspire Limited.

Steeped in healthcare management experience, including several roles within the NHS, Amanda Atkin has negotiated contracts from both sides of the table so she knows what commissioning teams want and how to manage them.

She says: "Whether you are tendering for a new contract or negotiating to reduce the clawback on an existing one, preparing a strong case is vital and that's where I come in. I know the sorts of questions that will be asked and the evidence needed. I also stay abreast of the constantly changing policies and guidance."

Although all her contract negotiation work is strictly confidential, Amanda can allude to some recent successes. In one case she had clawback cancelled, in another a contract was agreed at a much higher price than was offered originally.

If you don't want to be a hostage to negotiation, contact Amanda Atkin now on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 876 967. There is more information about the range of healthcare management consultancy services offered by Atkinspire here: www.atkinspire.co.uk