Wandsworth and Lambeth based businesses can now register for the next round of the Supply Nine Elms on the South Bank programme, which gives them access to millions of pounds worth of new contract opportunities.
The initiative offers local businesses the chance to meet the major buyers involved in the regeneration of Nine Elms on South Bank, London’s biggest development programme.
The last round of the Supply Nine Elms on the South Bank programme saw local businesses secure new contracts worth a total of £1.2million.
In the coming year there will be even more tender opportunities coming through the programme, including opportunities in the construction and development sectors, as well as catering, office support, environmental management and utilities.
Buyers taking part include Battersea Power Station Development Company, Barratt, Ballymore, St James, Carillion, Skanska and Laing O’Rourke.
Businesses taking part are matched to forthcoming contract opportunities and given a package of one-to-one training and support to help them develop the capabilities needed.
They are also offered support in preparing compliant and competitive tenders which can be a significant barrier to small firms securing new work.
The programme, which is completely free of charge and only available to businesses based in Wandsworth and Lambeth, also includes networking and ‘meet the buyer’ events, as well as business development workshops.
The scheme is financed by Wandsworth and Lambeth Councils and is being delivered on their behalf by BE Group, a leading specialist in business support and supply chain development.
Beaver Pest Control is one local small business to benefit from last year’s programme having won multiple contracts. David Lodge, a partner at the firm, said: “The support has exceeded all of my expectations. I cannot praise them highly enough.”
Additional supplier comments include ‘Supply Nine Elms has been a significant help in being able to identify and approach larger companies. On occasion this has led us to winning small contracts and one off jobs. More importantly though we are getting our name known by larger companies and thus this is helping us to grow away from Nine Elms.”
Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: “We have worked hard to unlock the huge potential of Nine Elms and our communities are now reaping the rewards in the form of new affordable homes, jobs and apprenticeships. Through the Supply Nine Elms on the South Bank programme we are ensuing that our local businesses take a share in the benefits and I encourage Wandsworth traders to take full advantage.
“This is a gateway to new contracts, new long-term clients and comes with a range of expert business development training which give local companies the best possible chance of securing new work.”
Cllr Jack Hopkins, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Jobs and Growth said: “Lambeth Council is delighted to be able to offer a programme of support to local businesses, allowing them access the wealth of opportunities made available through the Nine Elms Vauxhall regeneration.
“We are committed to ensuring Lambeth businesses throughout the borough are supported to access the contracts available and I would urge Lambeth businesses to get involved.”
For more information or to register for the programme- either as a supplier or buyer- please contact Melanie Davies, Supply Nine Elms on the South Bank Project Manager, via e-mail melanie.davies@be-group.co.uk, by telephone on 020 7697 1979 or visit www.supplynineelms.co.uk
