15 City firms have already committed to take part in the City of London's Ready to Supply the City programme. These include well known names operating in sectors including finance, legal, food and professional services. A further 14 are considering joining.
The new, free programme aims to match the procurement needs of large City firms with competitive, innovative suppliers, saving both time and money for buyers, supply chain managers and other procurement professionals.
The firms already engaged in the programme have so far provided details of 21 procurement opportunities which have been matched to 59 small and medium enterprises based in the City Fringes (the London boroughs surrounding the 'Square Mile'). These firms have discussed with us how about how their supply chains operate, so that local enterprise agencies can then provide the most accurate and useful support possible for those smaller organisations wishing to sell into City supply chains, ensuring that the smaller companies can meet the City firms' standards.
In addition to this procurement matching service, the Ready to Supply the City programme is now also able to provide information on the specific sectors and sub-sectors of City Fringe businesses. This useful market data provides a powerful business case for City firms to allow City fringe businesses to compete for their contracts. The information can also be used to identify which departments within a large firm will benefit the most from working with City Fringe businesses.
Procurers participating in Ready to Supply the City have also received special offers of free training in sustainable procurement in May and June 2011.
We are currently meeting with more City firms in order to fully understand their business needs and then to propose solutions. If you are interested in knowing more or joining the programme, please contact Liz Holford on 020 7700 0008 or at liz@actionsustainability.com.