Heathrow has launched an exciting new series of workshops tailored for small and medium businesses, to support them in building practical knowledge and capabilities that will help more companies across the nation access the airport’s £1bn a year supply chain.
The inaugural SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) workshop took place at Heathrow on Friday and in attendance were national and local business groups and political representatives alongside the 50 SMEs participating in the workshop.
Small business owners at the first workshop took part in interactive exercises and lectures from senior experts at Heathrow and the wider industry. They were given the knowledge and skills to have a good understanding of Heathrow’s end to end supplier journey, as well as receiving guidance on what it means to operate with responsible and sustainable businesses, and the insurance policies that are required to work with Heathrow.
The ongoing workshops will also help SMEs understand what Heathrow’s values mean in practice and how they guide ways of working, as well as supporting SMEs to advance their capabilities in meeting the minimum procurement requirements. Virtual workshops will also be available, to ensure every business across the country can access the SME Academy without the barrier of travel, time or costs.
The Heathrow SME Academy offers 1-2-1 mentor support provided by experts in Heathrow’s supply chain. This aims to provide SMEs with customised, in-depth support, helping them to meet he airport’s procurement requirements.
60 per cent of Heathrow’s supply chain is already made up of small and medium businesses and Heathrow is supporting more SMEs to unlock their potential in working with large buying organisations.
Heathrow was joined by Craig Beaumont OBE, Executive Director of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Leader of Hounslow Council Shantanu Rajawat at the launch ceremony.
Heathrow’s Director of Procurement, Paul Doherty, said: “Heathrow is committed to ensuring that both the airport and its supply chain grow and develop to create an extraordinary airport fit for the future. By learning what it means to align with Heathrow’s values, suppliers will be better equipped to collaborate effectively, uphold shared standards, and contribute to delivering outstanding and sustainable outcomes for passengers, colleagues, and our communities.”
Craig Beaumont, Executive Director of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Opening up procurement opportunities to small firms helps them grow and remain resilient, and means more competition, better value for money, and supports local economies across the UK. It's great to see the SME Academy opening the door for small firms to gain the skills and knowledge needed to help access Heathrow’s supply chain. Providing practical support and mentorship will be key to helping small businesses build the relationships and real-world capabilities needed to get contracts. We hope this sets a standard amongst other private sector businesses and Government, creating supportive systems for SMEs.”
For more information on how to do business with Heathrow and to see live opportunities visit: https://www.competefor.com/heathrow/
For more information on the SME academy visit: SME Academy | Heathrow
