Helping small businesses access big supply chains

Enabling Enterprise is the third in a series of programmes that aim to provide vital support to help diverse entrepreneurs become supply chain ready, expand into new markets and achieve sustainable growth.

Supply chain

Becoming supply chain ready

ln today’s rapidly changing landscape, many large companies are waking up to the benefits of diversifying their supply chains to improve agility, adaptability and enhance their economic and social impact. Newable’s comprehensive programme, supported by JPMorgan Chase, is designed to help SMEs at the heart of the UK economy become supply chain ready by building their internal capabilities to meet the procurement criteria of large corporates.

Designed to help underrepresented London businessowners unleash their potential, we provided free expert business support through bespoke advice from our team of experienced Business Advisers, interactive workshops, and Meet the Buyer events.

“SMEs are the heart of our economy, employing over 16.6 million people. Our mission is to support hundreds of SMEs in becoming supply ready and realise their potential to win contracts with large buyers.” SEHRI MIRZA, PROJECT MANAGER, NEWABLE

The programme’s impact

The programme recently came to an end but managed to make a big impact during its run, here are some key statistics that highlight this:

  • 285 businesses supported 1-2-1
  • £2.97m – value of contracts won
  • 172 women
  • 14 businesses received finance
  • 37 events with a total of 524 attendees
  • 49 contracts
  • 97 BAME/MEG 81 jobs created
  • £1.71m funding & finance raised
  •  57 jobs retained

In their own words: SME clients

“I have been coming to Meet the Buyer events in order to increase customer base. I think it’s absolutely fabulous, I make a contact every time and they become a business partner for the months and months ahead.”

“These skills will really help me grow as a business; help me be more professional, know what I am doing, cost my products better and help me be more confident. A little bit of confidence and knowing that you are going in the right direction means a lot.” In their own words: buyers

“We want to outreach as a company… it’s really important we engage; we have a target of 25% local procurement. Using Meet the Buyer function is an important part of that.”

“We’ve met diamond drilling companies. We have met logistic companies. We have met site security companies. We have met earthworks and architectural services, catering companies, landscaping and paving. So a whole assortment of people who can supply us.”