Nearly a thousand business leaders gathered for the biggest ever celebration of the small companies from London and beyond who power the UK’s hub airport.
Heathrow’s 27th Business Summit brought together the best of British business at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, from entrepreneurs and start-ups to family-run firms and household names.
The annual summit serves as a key platform for SMEs to connect with existing Heathrow suppliers, share insights and explore new opportunities to join the airport’s expanding supply chain.
Heathrow currently invests over £1 billion annually in its supply chain and has plans to double that to £2 billion from 2027 — meaning the potential for SME involvement is greater than ever.
As private investment at Heathrow grows, the airport is ensuring that local and smaller businesses – which already make up 60% of the supply chain – continue to feel the benefit, underpinning jobs and economic growth.
From family-owned businesses to innovative start-ups, SMEs both locally to the airport and across the country play a vital role in the UK economy by keeping over 80 million passengers and over £215bn of trade on the move at Heathrow every year.
The summit was held in partnership with local chambers of commerce and business groups and included speeches from Heathrow’s Chief Executive, Thomas Woldbye and Lord David Blunkett. There were also panel discussions led by Heathrow’s senior representatives and suppliers showcasing procurement prospects.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend workshops offering a clear overview of the supplier journey when partnering with Heathrow and Meet the Buyer sessions, where SMEs could connect directly with decision-makers from several Tier 1 suppliers enabling meaningful conversations and opening doors to exciting opportunities.
Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, Becky Coffin, said: “Heathrow is embarking on a major upgrade programme to modernise the airport and enhance the experience for our passengers. Our five-year plan looks to double our private investment to £10 billion — and SMEs will be vital in helping us deliver these upgrades to ensure an even better service.
“This represents a huge opportunity for businesses across the UK to join our supply chain and support Britain’s global gateway, even before construction begins on a potential third runway. SMEs have long been the lifeblood of our success, and it’s fantastic to see so many stepping forward to grow with us.”
Lord David Blunkett, said: “It’s pivotal that as Heathrow grows, so do the communities around it. That growth is not just measured in passenger numbers or infrastructure but in lives improved, careers built and local economies strengthened. Preparing individuals with the skills needed, and offering opportunities to previously excluded groups, will enable many more to benefit from expansion.
“Public entities, businesses and local communities each have a vital role to play—and only by working together can we create the kind of economic foundation that lasts. Bringing these groups together through collaborative initiatives like the Heathrow Business Summit, offers SMEs a platform to connect with the Heathrow supply chain, unlocking the potential for real, inclusive growth—growth that benefits everyone.”
One of the many businesses in attendance was The Pallet Yard, an SME based in Southall, who make up part of the Heathrow supply chain.
Ruth-Anne Lynch, Co-Director of The Pallet Yard said: “Working with Heathrow is huge for an SME like ourselves. The Business Summit opens doors for new suppliers to start building relationships with Heathrow and its wider network, including with more tier-one suppliers within the supply chain, creating even greater opportunities for growth.”
For more information on how to do business with Heathrow and to see live opportunities visit: https://www.competefor.com/heathrow/opportunities/
