The Islington Supplier Readiness Programme supports local businesses to become confident, contract-ready suppliers — helping you understand procurement, strengthen your supplier offer, and access opportunities in public and private sector supply chains.
Delivered by Heart of the City in partnership with MSDUK and Islington Council, this fully funded programme is part of the Minority Business Matters learning and development suite. It is designed for small, Islington-based B2B and B2G businesses, particularly those that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who want practical support to grow through procurement and new markets.is designed for small businesses based in Islington that want practical support to grow through procurement and new markets.
Through a hybrid programme of in-person workshops, online peer learning and one-to-one clinics, participants gain a clear understanding of how procurement really works — locally in Islington and beyond. The programme covers public sector procurement, social value and responsible business practices, and essential commercial skills such as pitching and bid writing.
Each business is supported to develop a tailored growth and supplier-readiness plan, with expert guidance, peer-to-peer learning, and opportunities to connect with large public and private sector partners — helping turn insight into action and ambition into opportunity.
“The programme helped clarify how procurement works and how I can position my business.” — Anurah Alonzo Farrell, JUSTLIT London
“I’ve gained knowledge, confidence and a clearer understanding of procurement and bidding.” — Elsie Ocran, GGLOW
