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Empowering Small Businesses

to Become Supplier-Ready

The Southwark Supplier Readiness Programme helps local businesses get contract-ready — giving you the confidence, skills and connections to win work with larger organisations and the public sector.

Delivered by Heart of the City and MSDUK, in partnership withSouthwark Council, this free, practical support programme is designed for Southwark-based B2B and B2G businesses that want to understand procurement, stand out to buyers, and grow sustainably.

Through a blend of in-person workshops and online mentoring, you’ll build a clear understanding of how public and private sector procurement works, what buyers are really looking for, and how to position your business as a credible, responsible supplier. You’ll develop essential skills such as pitching, bid writing and evidencing social and environmental impact, while working towards a tailored business growth and supplier-readiness plan.

The programme also connects you with peer businesses, expert mentors, and large corporate and public sector partners through focused surgery sessions, helping you turn learning into action and open doors to real opportunities.

“A great opportunity to think more strategically about the business and how we approach procurement and sustainability.” — Tayo Adesina, Trash Gxng

“This programme really helped me understand that ‘doing’ good isn’t enough — you need to be able to evidence it clearly.” — Sam Meikle, Spark the Difference

Who can apply?

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To be eligible for fully funded support through the Southwark Supplier Readiness programme, your business must:

  • Be based in Southwark
  • Be registered in the UK
  • Meet the Micro and Small enterprise criteria (see here)
  • Have a minimum projected turnover of £50,000 in the next 12 months
  • Have a minimum of 3 employees (including part-time or freelancer collaborators)

We particularly welcome applications from business owners from a diverse ethnic background.

Programme

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The programme comprises 4 modules and a minimum of 18 contact hours, and is delivered as follows:

  • 1 Online Onboarding Session
  • 4 Workshops:
    • Introduction to Procurement
    • Introduction to Successful Bidding
    • Social Value
    • Net Zero for SMEs
  • 2 Online Mentoring Sessions with Peers
  • 1 Online Surgery
  • 3 Growth Plan clinics
  • Additional benefits: invitations to networking, capacity building and knowledge sharing events

Applications for the second cohort are now open — see below for details.

Key Dates

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Upcoming Cohort (2):

  • Recruitment; open now! Closing on Friday 20 February
  • Places confirmation to participants; w/c 23 February
  • Onboarding session; w/c 2 March – Online
  • Module 1: Introduction to procurement; Wednesday 11 March 10.00 – 15.00 – In person in a Southwark based location
  • Module 2: Social Value for SMEs; Wednesday 18 March 10.00 – 13.00 – In person in a Southwark based location
  • Peer to peer session; Wednesday 25 March 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Module 3: Net Zero for SMEs; Wednesday 15 April 10.00 – 12.00 – Online
  • Peer to peer session; Tuesday 21 April 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Net Zero Surgery; Wednesday 22 April 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Module 4: Introduction to successful bidding; Wednesday 29 April 10.00 – 15.00 – In person in a Southwark based location

Registration

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Ready to grow your business through procurement?

Apply now and join a community of businesses building the capabilities and confidence to win contracts and make a difference to people and planet.

Applications for the second cohort of the Southwark Supplier Readiness programme are now open!

Please register your interest for the cohort starting in March 2026.

For any queries, please contact us at info@theheartofthecity.com.

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