Welcome to Mark Bishop

Director of Technology Services

Hannah Granshaw

15 September 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Mark Bishop to the SmartCo Future Health leadership team as Director of Technology Services.

We recently caught up with Mark to learn more about his career journey, his new role and what how he sees his role contributing to the future of health. Read on to discover his story and the valuable experience he brings to the team.

Hi Mark. What’s your new role, and what will you be focusing on?

I’m stepping into the role of Director of Technology Services, where I’ll be leading the technology side of SmartCo Future Health. My focus will be on continuing to build upon the strong foundation already in place, scaling our existing technology services and aligning our new offerings with the evolving needs of healthcare. This includes supporting the digital transformation ambitions outlined in the NHS 10-year plan and ensuring our solutions help the sector progress in a meaningful, sustainable way.

What has been your career leading up to SmartCo?

I started in customer service at my local Waitrose when I was 16, working on the front desk while studying IT at college. At 18, I took my first role in the NHS as a desktop engineer. Over the next 16 years, I progressed through a wide range of technical roles, eventually becoming an Enterprise/Solutions Architect. From there, I joined a consultancy to help grow its technology business, where I spent eight years developing services across technical infrastructure, cybersecurity and managed services. More recently, I’ve been working independently as a Technical Architect on a first-of-its-kind EPR deployment in Essex – an exciting project that has shown real collaboration across Acute, Mental Health and Community services within two NHS organisations.

What excites you most about your new role and responsibilities?

What really excites me is the impact SmartCo is already having – delivering real, measurable change that improves outcomes for patients, staff and Trusts alike. Expanding our technology capabilities means we can bring even greater value to our clients. I’m not here to sell unnecessary solutions; I’m here to build services that help organisations optimise what they already have and move forward with confidence. My passion for the NHS has never wavered since my first day as a desktop engineer, and it’s clear that same passion runs deep across the SmartCo team.

Why SmartCo Future Health?

There’s a real buzz around SmartCo Future Health. The team is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely lovely to work with, and our customers feel the same way. When organisations are coming to you because of the reputation you’ve built and the outcomes you’ve delivered, that says everything. It’s clear SmartCo is doing things the right way.

If you could learn a new skill or hobby this year, what would it be?

I’d love to give paddleboarding a go. My kids have tried it and really enjoyed it, and some friends are into it too – it just looks like a great way to enjoy the outdoors. I’m not sure I have the core strength for it just yet, but I’m always up for a challenge. Anything that gets the kids outside and active is a win in my book.

What’s a recent book, podcast, or show you’ve enjoyed and would recommend?

I recently read Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson, which I received as a Christmas gift. I’ve also been following his Clarkson’s Farm series. It’s both entertaining and eye-opening, offering a real look into the challenges British farmers face. It’s taught me a lot about agriculture in the UK. I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch.

What’s a hidden talent or fun fact about you that few people know?

I’m a lifelong rugby fan and have played for my local club since I was 10. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to play at iconic venues like Twickenham and Allianz Park, which was a lot of fun. I’ve also travelled to every Rugby World Cup since 2007 (with the 2015 tournament conveniently in England!) and plan to keep that tradition going for as long as I can.

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