Hundreds of local, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have kick-started the process for procuring work with Heathrow’s biggest suppliers, ahead of contracts being released for the airport’s expansion program.
The 23rd flagship Heathrow Business Summit attracted nearly 300 local SMEs on Thursday, November 28, marking the end of a year-long tour consisting of 11 business summits across the UK.
For over 20 years, Heathrow’s Business Summits have provided an opportunity for SMEs to meet face-to-face with some of the airport’s largest suppliers and connect them to new contracts and advice, as well as supply-chain and exporting opportunities.
This year, over 800 SMEs have attended one of the summits across the country, resulting in more than 2,000 engagements designed to give SMEs a chance to cement relationships and forge new connections with some of the UK’s largest suppliers. This year’s flagship summit saw over 40 of Heathrow’s top suppliers discuss real contract opportunities with local businesses from Slough, Spelthorne, Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon, and further afield.
Maintaining this strong partnership with local businesses will help to ensure that the Heathrow expansion provides tens of thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships for local people. This once-in-a-generation project will also inject billions of economic benefits into local communities while ensuring that expansion is delivered in line with strict mitigation and environmental commitments.
Feedback from Heathrow’s public consultation, that closed in September, will be analyzed and used to shape the project, which is when final plans for expansion will be submitted as part of its planning application.
