Member Article

Yorkshire SMEs to be given unique insight into working with large companies

Construction and engineering companies in Yorkshire will be given a unique insight into how to build relationships with larger organisations at a special event in November.

With a number of high profile construction projects underway in the region, the ‘Access the Buyer’ session, organised by Business in the Community and sponsored by Santander, will see large businesses including BP, Clugston, C Spencer Ltd and Keepmoat share their buying and purchasing expertise to SMEs.

Businesses who supply products or services within construction engineering, marine engineering and manufacturing are invited to take advantage of the free 1 day session from 10am – 2.30 pm at The University of Hull on Tuesday, 25 November.

Christopher Bovis, Professor of International and European Business Law at the Business School of the University of Hull will provide a 20 minute insight session at the event.

The Access the Buyer series of UK wide events seeks to offer SMEs practical advice into the often complicated procurement processes and supply chains of large companies.

Andy Bowden, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate said: “Santander is committed to supporting small businesses and we are proud to have been Business in the Community’s SME programme partner for the last three years. SMEs have told us that a key barrier to growth is being able to access the supply chains of larger businesses.

“The ‘Access the Buyer’ events were created to provide practical advice and guidance for small business owners on how to successfully win new contracts and trade with their larger cousins. We hope that this insight will help small businesses to grow, ultimately contributing to local economic growth and job creation.”

Liz Needleman, Area Director England East, Business in the Community said: “With 99% of all private sector businesses classified as SMEs in the UK, there is a critical role for them to play in the on-going recovery and in building sustainable, resilient communities. However, many SMEs struggle to supply their products and services to large businesses, which can often have a direct impact on their ability to grow and create jobs. In contrast, many larger companies are keen to work with more SMEs in their supply chain but can sometimes struggle to fulfil this commitment.

“This session will give SMEs across the UK a practical insight into the trading opportunities that exist with larger businesses. Since the beginning of the recession, nine out of ten unemployed people found work in the private sector with SMEs who are a key contributor to economic growth. We look forward to helping hundreds of SMEs to flourish and create employment throughout this campaign.”

Access the Buyer is a dedicated programme to help SMEs access large business supply opportunities. To register your interest in attending the event visit http://www.bitc.org.uk/news-events/events/access-buyer-construction-engineering

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Business In the Community .