Effective collaboration between organisations of all sizes is beneficial for society and the wider economy. There is a significant opportunity to build a more resilient economy through strengthening SMEs which will also boost productivity and efficiency. Often, SMEs can offer specific skills and expertise. As a result, society can benefit from modernised and innovative public services.
Where further powers are devolved from central government, the importance of local employment and strong communities will continue to grow. SMEs can contribute invaluably to both, and provide locally informed insights to larger organisations, sustained by longstanding links to the local communities in which they often operate. Through these partnership arrangements, the local community can benefit from access to services and support that is tailored to their specific needs.
SMEs can also benefit from partnership working arrangements, particularly the knowledge, resources and expertise that many large organisations can offer. Through these arrangements, SMEs can be supported to scale their efforts. Commercial advantages and social value outcomes can be optimised to benefit all involved.
The examples below from BSA members highlight how equitable partnership working between organisations of all sizes can foster mutually beneficial relationships that help organisations to move towards shared goals, including progress toward net zero, supporting individuals into employment, and wider opportunities to drive social value.
Sodexo’s net zero supply chain engagement strategy was launched in 2023 to address the business’ supply chain emissions.
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Reed in Partnership’s mission is to positively transform people and their communities. The services delivered are all brought together under this mission and the providers Reed in Partnership works with are critical to its success.
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WSP has assembled a wide supply chain consisting of large organisations, SMEs and academic partners to deliver against the SPaTS2 Framework.
Read more here.
Eviden’s Horizons programme is a suite of supply chain diversity programmes that nurture small social, academic and digital enterprises to build commercial, technical and social value maturity.
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Balfour Beatty works in partnership with local SME businesses in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, including on projects for NHS Highland and the Scottish Prison Service.
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Sodexo launched its Starting Fresh programme in 2023 to support employers in proactively recruiting skilled and qualified people with criminal convictions.
Read more here.
