The 26th Heathrow Business Summit, which took place on 14 November, welcomed a record-breaking attendance of over 500 participants from the local area and beyond.
This annual event brings together local business leaders to celebrate and connect the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs who support the UK’s only hub airport, where 60% of its supply chain is SMEs.
Featuring exhibits from nearly 60 companies, including over 30 SMEs, the summit helps local businesses make the most of the benefits of having Heathrow on the doorstep.
From family-owned businesses to innovative start-ups, SMEs across the whole country play a vital role in the UK economy by keeping over 80 million passengers and £200bn of trade on the move at Heathrow every year.
The summit was held in partnership with local chambers of commerce and business groups with over 20 speakers taking to the stage. This included panel discussions, suppliers and airport bosses, alongside speeches from Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer, Javier Echave Espot and Lord David Blunkett.
Recognition awards were presented to selected suppliers for their exceptional contributions and dedication to Heathrow's success. Winners included Ferrovial, Mace, Ethos Farm, and AtkinsRealis who were recognised for commitments to fostering meaningful partnerships with SMEs.
The awards also served as a fundraiser as for each vote received in the “Best SME Exhibitor” category, Heathrow committed to buying carbon credits to support projects that create woodlands in the UK, helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Wavestore was crowned the winner, with Creative Triangle Ltd. taking the runner-up spot.
Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, Becky Coffin, said: “Investing over £1 billion in projects this year alone underscores our commitment to supporting jobs and empowering SMEs across the country. The Business Summit is a vital platform for new companies to join our supply chain and strengthen growth in local communities. We are dedicated to making Heathrow a great place to live and work, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the expertise and innovation that SMEs bring. It’s an honour to celebrate our partners’ achievements and witness the creation of exciting new connections.”
For more information on how to do business with Heathrow and to see live opportunities visit: https://www.competefor.com/heathrow/
