Hundreds of local, small and medium-sized enterprises have laid the groundwork for procuring work with Heathrow’s biggest suppliers ahead of contracts being released for the airport’s expansion program.
Following a UK-wide tour, the flagship Heathrow Business Summit welcomed over 250 local SMEs. The summit saw 50 of Heathrow’s top suppliers discuss real contract opportunities with an audience including local businesses from Slough, Spelthorne, Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon.
Businesses took part in 15-minute appointments with a mix of the airport’s business partners, using the opportunity to tender their products and services to Heathrow’s major contractors.
Representatives from the Department of International Trade and UK Export Finance were also on hand to provide information on how businesses can export their products through Heathrow, the UK’s biggest port by value.
Javier Echave, Heathrow’s chief financial officer, said, “We are delighted to welcome a record crowd of strong and supportive local businesses who recognize the wealth of opportunities available to them both now and with expansion. Heathrow has attracted some of the best UK businesses to the local area, supporting local jobs and a strong local economy. Going forward, we want to make sure that we are engaging early with SMEs, ensuring that they are in our supply chain, poised and ready to take advantage of expansion at Heathrow.”
The flagship Heathrow Business Summit marks the end of what has been a record year for the program. This year, nearly 1,000 SMEs from every corner of the UK have met with the airport’s biggest suppliers at 10 Summits across the UK.