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Empowering Small Businesses

to Become Supplier-Ready

Responsible Procurement Essentials is a practical, confidence-building programme designed to help diverse businesses understand procurement, strengthen their supplier offer, and compete more effectively for contracts.

Delivered by Heart of the City in collaboration with MSDUK, this free programme forms part of the Minority Business Matters learning and development suite. It supports London-based B2B and B2G businesses that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and are looking to build the skills, knowledge and networks needed to become credible, contract-ready suppliers.

Through a blend of in-person workshops and online mentoring, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of public and private sector procurement, alongside what it means to run a responsible, buyer-ready business. The programme focuses on developing practical, transferable skills — including bid writing, understanding buyer expectations, and evidencing good practice — all supported by peer-to-peer learning and expert insight.

Whether you’re new to procurement or looking to build confidence and clarity, Responsible Procurement Essentials helps you understand how procurement really works and how to position your business for future opportunities.

“I learnt a huge amount in a short space of time. Really useful sessions and information from credible sources.” — Stacy Moore, Inner Circles

“Being on this programme has increased my confidence and helped me understand procurement much better.” — Madhu Kapoor, M for Menopause Ltd

Who can apply?

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To be eligible for fully funded support through the Responsible Procurement Essentials programme, your business must:

  • Be based or operating in London
  • Be registered in the UK
  • Meet the Micro and Small enterprise criteria (see here)
  • Be at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by people from ethnic minority backgrounds

Applications for this programme are currently closed.

Programme

Upcoming Cohort (2):

  • Recruitment; open now! Closing on Friday 2 January
  • Onboarding session; w/c 12 January – Online
  • Module 1: Introduction to procurement; Thursday 22 January, 10.00 – 13.00 – In person in a central London location
  • Module 2: Social Value for SMEs; Thursday 29 January, 10.00 – 12.00 – Online
  • Module 3: Net Zero for SMEs; Thursday 5 February, 10.00 – 12.00 – Online
  • Net Zero Surgery; Tuesday 10 February, 12.00 – 13.00 – Online
  • Module 4: Introduction to successful bidding; Thursday 12 February, 10.00 – 13.00 – In person in a central London location

Registration

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Applications for this programme are now closed. Visit our Programmes page to see other opportunities currently open.

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

 

Funding

This Responsible Procurement Essentials Programme is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

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