Business Support Provider (Hillingdon UKSPF Supplier Readiness Programme) funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Description

Hillingdon Council, together with Ealing and Harrow Councils, have successfully secured an extension for a West London partnership bid under the GLA's UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF) to continue delivering a 'Supplier Readiness' program for tailored business support provision in each of the three boroughs. 
The programme runs from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 26 and aims to support 150 SMEs overall, with each borough having its own individual target of 50 SMEs.
The main objectives are to support businesses to increase bid capability; broker introductions to Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, Public Sector, Anchor Institutes, and other corporate buyers; enabling SMEs to be more visible and have greater access to market opportunities. It is also hoped that many jobs will be created and safeguarded as a result. 
The programme complements the Council's role in supporting equality, diversity and economic inclusion with specific targets to support Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME), disabled and women led SMEs, in sectors hit hardest by the pandemic.  In Hillingdon there is also a high concentration of SMEs which rely on the aviation industry and its extensive supply chain.  
This programme integrates five cross cutting principles namely:
 - Contribute to a thriving local economy
 - Increase the number of businesses taking positive climate action - Equality and diversity inclusion 
 - Ealing Council's 'Good Business Charter' and single front door approach and
 - Partnership working across the sub region
Delivery Timeline
The programme will run from the appointment until 31st March 2026.
Target Outcomes
The success of the programme will be evaluated in relation to the following targets and Key Performance Indicators: 
•BAME led (25) 
•Women led (10) 
•Disabled led (5) 
•New jobs created (1) 
•Jobs safeguarded (2)
•New markets entered (1).   
The estimated contract value- £60,000