Spark the Difference is a Southwark-based social impact consultancy, founded in 2016, that helps public sector organisations improve the services people rely on through lived experience, evidence and collaboration.
As the business entered its second decade, Founder and Director Sam Meikle joined Heart of the City’s Southwark Supplier Readiness Programme and Net Zero Accelerator to strengthen Spark the Difference’s approach to procurement and social value, and build the knowledge to act on net zero. Over six months, the programmes helped the business strengthen how it communicates its impact, improve its responsible business practices and develop its first Carbon Emissions Report and Action Plan.
Building confidence in procurement and social value
As Spark the Difference looked to grow its reach, Sam recognised that “doing good work, and being a good business, isn’t automatically enough to demonstrate social value within a public sector procurement process”.
The Southwark Supplier Readiness Programme, run in partnership with MSDUK and Southwark Council, helped the team understand what buyers were looking for and communicate their strengths more effectively. They refined how they articulated their impact, developed a two-page buyer guide informed by feedback from procurement professionals, and identified ten local authorities where their expertise could create value.
The programme also prompted wider changes across the business. Since taking part, Spark the Difference has achieved Living Wage Employer accreditation, begun working towards the Greater London Authority’s Good Work Standard, and increased transparency by publishing key governance and business documents on its website.
Turning net zero knowledge into practical action
Sam joined the Net Zero Accelerator wanting to understand carbon accounting and build the confidence to calculate Spark the Difference’s footprint independently. Having previously commissioned an external report, she wanted to take greater ownership of the process.
The programme provided practical training in carbon accounting and emissions measurement. As a result, Spark the Difference produced its first Carbon Emissions Report and Action Plan, establishing a 2025 baseline footprint of 11.5 tCO₂e and committing to net zero by 2040.
The report also revealed that 84% of the organisation’s emissions sit within its supply chain (Scope 3). This has helped the team focus its efforts, including improving data quality, embedding low-carbon procurement principles, engaging suppliers on sustainability and working with its landlord on energy efficiency.
Sam now has the knowledge to understand and communicate Spark the Difference’s emissions internally, reducing reliance on external consultants and giving the business greater ownership of its net zero journey.
More than training: a community of support
Beyond the technical knowledge, Sam valued the opportunity to learn alongside other SMEs. Through workshops, peer learning and networking, she built new relationships, received mentoring and connected with businesses facing similar challenges.
For Sam, this shared experience is something technical information alone cannot provide:
“You could ask an AI to explain Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. But what you can’t replicate is the shared learning, the accountability, the support, the cheerleading and the networks that bring the opportunity to life. For busy minds like mine, it’s what turns knowledge into action.”
Looking ahead
The programmes have given Spark the Difference greater clarity about its next chapter. While Sam initially joined to strengthen her understanding of procurement and carbon accounting, the experience also prompted the team to reflect on how they create value and increase their impact. The result is a clearer set of commitments, actions and measures for the future.
