The Supplier Readiness Programme

Find out how to apply for the Supplier Readiness Programme.

Westminster City Council (WCC) has partnered with Westminster Business Council (WBC) to deliver a Supplier Readiness Programme. The programme aims to help Westminster-based small and micro-businesses to contract more with the council and our partners.

Benefits for your business

The Supplier Readiness Programme aims to support and upskill Westminster-based small and micro-businesses to become supplier ready with a goal to successfully securing private and public sector contracts.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Westminster are eligible to apply for support through this programme. The council is also particularly committed to supporting diverse and mission-led businesses.

The support package offers:

Tailored guidance, workshops, and tools on SME supplier bidding for public and private contracts
Training sessions through hybrid delivery on upskilling
Best practices and knowledge-sharing opportunities to prepare for contract bidding and delivery
B2B mentoring, business shadowing, advice and training from larger companies in your sector
Sector-specific 'meet the buyer' events and relevant networking opportunities
Supplier directory where businesses can be referred onto WCC partners relating to contract opportunities.

By the end of the programme, you will be better placed to:

Increase your business' turnover, efficiency and effectiveness through the skills and networks developed on the programme
Submit compliant, high-quality bids
Win contracts directly with the council and other public sector organisations, as well as private companies

For any questions or further information, please contact [email protected]

Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme, your organisation must be at least one of the following:

A Westminster-based small, medium or micro (including sole trader) business (for example, under 250 staff).

A London-based diverse business (for example, 51% or more owned and led):

Global majority-led
Woman-led
Disabled-led
LGBTQI+-led

A London-based mission-led business:

Social Enterprise
Community Interest Company (CIC)
Green/circular SME (for example, specifically supplying green products, services or solutions)
Cooperatives
Mutuals or employee-owned businesses

Upcoming events

To register for any of the events or to find out more, please email [email protected].

Practical Bid Writing

This Bid Writing with AI Masterclass is a half-day workshop that provides you with the tools needed to learn and accelerate the process of writing winning bids, tenders and proposals.

Dates available:

Thursday 11 July 2024, 1pm to 4pm (in person).
Tuesday 8 October, time and location tbc

Pitch coaching

Pitch coaching will support businesses to deliver a strong pitch and improve their skills in pitching. These will be in-person workshops, which will allow for practice and feedback.

Dates available:

Thursday 26 September, times tbc

Meet the Buyer

These Meet the Buyer events will allow contractors to be able to meet with prospective buyers, gain an understanding of their procurement process and also gain an insight into upcoming projects where they may be able to bid/tender for contracts

Ridge and Partners

Tuesday 17 July 2024 (in person at City Hall).

Multiple construction companies

Tuesday 1 October 2024, 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm (in person)

Branding, Marketing and Website Workshop

A workshop designed to provide you with tangible solutions and innovative ideas that can be applied now, so you can start making an immediate impact on your customers and your business.

Wednesday 24th July 2024, times and location tbc

Berkeley Homes: PSL - How to

A session which will build understanding the requirements and the eligibility criteria to get on to Berkeley Homes preferred supplier list. The Berkeley Group is one of the UK's major developers and is also a FTSE 100 organisation.

Wednesday 18 September, 12pm to 1pm (online)

Industry Standards and Accreditations Training

A session to provide structured education on compliance with recognised benchmarks and certifications essential for professional credibility and operational excellence

Wednesday 25 September, times and location tbc

Funding

The government funds the Supplier Readiness Programme through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF is part of the government's 'Levelling Up' agenda, providing £2.6bn of funding for local investment across the UK by March 2025. The Supplier Readiness Programme aligns with the UKSPF investment priority of supporting local businesses.