When Olufemi Abe founded Print Kiosk, his vision was to make printing services more accessible through innovative self-service technology. By placing self-service print kiosks in community locations, Print Kiosk helps customers access essential services more conveniently while enabling host businesses to generate additional income and increase footfall.
In late 2025, Print Kiosk had launched its first kiosk location and Olufemi was looking for ways to position the business for future growth, develop new partnerships, and better understand procurement opportunities.
He discovered Heart of the City’s Southwark Supplier Readiness Programme, delivered in partnership with Southwark Council and MSDUK. The programme was designed to help Southwark-based SMEs build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to compete for opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Learning what buyers look for
Through workshops covering procurement, bidding, social value and net zero, Olufemi gained practical insight into how larger organisations assess potential suppliers and how businesses can communicate their strengths more effectively.
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was something he had not fully anticipated: the opportunity to connect with other business leaders facing similar challenges. Learning alongside other SMEs allowed Olufemi to share ideas, hear different perspectives and think more strategically about the future of Print Kiosk.
The programme also encouraged him to look beyond the service itself and recognise the wider impact his business could create. As Olufemi reflected, the sessions helped him understand that Print Kiosk was “not just about printing, but also about convenience, access, local partnerships, community benefit and more sustainable ways of delivering services.”
At Heart of the City, we believe that responsible business practices can create value for people, communities and the environment while also strengthening organisations, building resilience and creating new opportunities. Olufemi’s experience demonstrates how understanding social value can help SMEs better articulate their purpose and the impact they create.
Turning learning into action led to new business opportunities
Following the programme, Olufemi applied what he had learned about communicating value and presenting his business more effectively. This helped him approach potential partners with greater confidence and overcome one of the key challenges facing Print Kiosk: building a network of host locations.
When Print Kiosk joined the programme in October 2025, the business operated from a single location in Southwark. Since completing the programme, Olufemi has secured more than 20 host partnerships, expanding Print Kiosk’s network across multiple London boroughs and continuing to grow.
Reflecting on the experience, Olufemi said the programme helped him “present the business with more confidence, explain the benefits to partners more clearly and think more strategically about growth.”
Print Kiosk’s journey highlights how targeted support can help SMEs turn ambition into action, providing not only practical knowledge, but also the confidence and connections needed to pursue new opportunities.
Olufemi’s advice to other SMEs
For other small businesses considering joining a similar programme, Olufemi believes the value comes from taking time away from day-to-day operations to focus on the bigger picture.
