A legal victory has cleared the way for a major clinical waste contract.
Knights, a legal and professional services firm, helped Brighton-based clinical waste disposal provider Sharpsmart Limited secure multiple NHS contracts for waste management services in primary care settings.
The contracts were part of a large NHS procurement process that saw 24 NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) tender services valued at around £168 million over five years, with the option to extend for up to a further four years.
Sharpsmart won 13 of the 17 contracts it bid for, but the awards were challenged by the incumbent provider, resulting in a suspension under the Public Contracts Procurement Regulations 2015.
The challenge was brought before the High Court in London, where, after a two-day hearing at the end of last month, Mr Justice Waksman ordered the suspensions be lifted.
This decision followed submissions from the ICBs, the incumbent provider, and Sharpsmart as an interested party.
Michael Peacock, partner at Knights, said: "We’re delighted to help our client with this landmark procurement in which success was a vital part of its future strategy.
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"I anticipate that this is going to be a real springboard for its future growth and we are excited to see how the business continues to develop and flourish."
Neil Robinson, who oversees Sharpsmart’s UK operations, welcomed the Court's ruling.
He said: "Sharpsmart today welcomed the Court’s decision to lift the suspension on the NHS contract award, allowing the partnership to proceed and deliver significant sustainability, financial and efficiency benefits for healthcare waste management across the 13 ICBs originally awarded to Sharpsmart.
"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our legal team Knights for their advice, professionalism and strategic guidance throughout this process.
"Their meticulous case management and selection of exceptional counsel were instrumental in achieving this outcome."
"This judgment represents a fair and positive step forward, one that supports the NHS in advancing its environmental and operational goals while ensuring best value and innovation across its ICB services."
Knights' legal team was led by Michael Peacock, Lindi Smith and Matthew Ross. They instructed Rhodri Williams KC and Tom Walker of Keating Chambers.
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