Organised in conjunction with UKTI, the summit aims to help SMEs access the procurement systems of large companies through a speed-dating style day of interviews with Heathrow’s procurement team. Successful SMEs then have the opportunity to use the airport’s international presence to project their brand globally.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s Development Director, said: ‘We are encouraged to see so many SMEs attend the summit and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to the world and plays a pivotal role in connecting SMEs with local, national and international markets. Over 320 businesses operate on the airport and many more, including two thirds of the UK’s top 300 companies, have set up close by to benefit from the airport’s operations.’
One SME that has benefitted from the international links provided by the airport is Andromeda Electrics who first got a contract to provide energy efficient lighting for Terminal 5 in 2004. From 12 employees in 2004, the company now has more than 80 staff and has attracted the attention of Schneider Electric who recently bought the company. Using Terminal 5 as a stepping stone to international markets, the company is now an internationally recognised brand, working throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. Graham Boeler, CEO for Andromeda said ‘Having a contract with Heathrow has given clients the confidence that we can complete the very highest profile, technically challenging, projects. It’s allowed us to grow to such an extent that we have become the world’s number one in the field of intelligent lighting control.’
Also in attendance at the Summit was SME Ambassador for London, Mary Macleod, who told delegates: ‘Heathrow plays an important role in the local and national economy. It is encouraging to see such a large company welcome SMEs into its business and help local entrepreneurs grow their company alongside the airport. I hope that the success of Heathrow’s example will encourage other companies to accommodate SMEs in a similar way. ’
The not-for-profit Summit was conceived 17 years ago in recognition of the central role that Heathrow plays in connecting SMEs with new business opportunities through its own supply chain, around the airport and across the world.
- For more informationa concerning Andromeda Electrics, please contact the Heathrow press office: 020 8745 7224 or email mediacentre@heathrow.com
- For a borough break-down of attending SMEs, please contact the Heathrow press office: 020 8745 7224 or email mediacentre@heathrow.com
- A recent report from Reform showed that only 4% of SMEs sought specialist advice on exporting their company.
Supportive quotes:
Gavin Spencer, SME Business Manager of Slough Chambers of Commerce, says: ‘For the last eight years the Slough Chamber of Commerce has been directly involved with the Heathrow Business Summit. The event continues to grow year on year and provides businesses with an excellent platform to meet and engage with a wide cross section of organisations. Most notably members of the Chamber of Commerce have found the annual event to be a valuable opportunity to book a one-to-one appointment with senior procurement officers from leading organisations giving them the opportunity to become a future supplier.’
Stephen Fry, CEO of the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, says: ‘This is a great way for local companies, especially smaller SMEs, to connect with some of the largest, most successful businesses in the country. Heathrow has worked hard to maintain excellent links with local chambers of commerce. This initiative allows us to work collaboratively to help local SMEs understand how to benefit from having Heathrow at their doorstep. There are tens of thousands of dynamic SMEs and talented independent freelancers in Hounslow and the other boroughs surrounding Heathrow. We are also keen to encourage clustering of micro-enterprises, freelancers and SMEs where this could help secure larger contracts.’
Louise Punter, Chief Executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, says: ‘We are really excited at Surrey Chambers about the new format Heathrow Business Summit which gives local businesses a great opportunity to meet potential suppliers and partners as well as opening doors to exporting. Having so many contacts in one place provides a truly cost effective event and we are very happy to support it.’
Annabel Fogden, General Manager, Ealing Chamber of Commerce, says: ‘Heathrow’s Business Summit will enable companies to explore a range of business opportunities, not only in relation to the airport’s activities directly, but also help companies explore the value of looking at overseas markets which are particularly important for helping the British economy to return to growth. The event will allow businesses to network across the boroughs and the Chamber will be encouraging as many Ealing companies to attend as possible.’
Mike Langan, Chairman of Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, says: ‘Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce is delighted to have been involved with the Heathrow Summit since it started some 17 years ago. During that time many of our members have won business from the event.’
