East Riding Initiative Aims to Boost Local Supply Chains

East Riding business are being encouraged to make a promise to buy locally.

The Supply Chain Network, an initiative supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, is working to support the local business community by encouraging and facilitating the use of local suppliers. The network is described as an "agnostic tool" available to both public and private sector businesses across the East Riding and nationally, though with a regional focus.

Katherine Gregory, a project manager for business support services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, stated that the network aims to demonstrate that businesses "can source everything you need locally".

"What we're saying is if you sign up to the supply chain network, you are able to search local suppliers, regional suppliers, as well as national suppliers.

You can access opportunities for the region and nationally, but we're asking you to commit to making the promise.

The promise being that you will, where possible work with local organizations so that you can promote your social value, sustainability and hopefully reduce your costs."

The initiative is supported by Hull City Council, the HEY Growth Hub, and other key regional partners, working together to develop the local economy.

The Supply Chain Network provides a free online directory serving as a central hub for the region’s suppliers, products, and services. This directory was developed to showcase local and regional businesses to help collectively fulfil supply chain needs.

For businesses looking for a supplier, the network offers a directory to search local, regional, and national suppliers. Businesses can also access opportunities for the region and nationally.

A key component of the initiative is the "supply chain promise". Businesses are asked to commit to this promise, which involves "where possible working with local organizations". The goal is to promote social value and sustainability, and potentially reduce costs.

Katherine Gregory says there has been a strong commitment to the promise from local firms.

"It is an agnostic tool, a tool that is available to everybody, public and private sector businesses.

We actually launched the Supply Chain Promise, mid-February this year.  And what we're really pleased to say is that everybody that has signed up since then has pretty much signed up to the Promise as well. 

We can see that that is an initiative that everybody is getting behind."

Registering a business with The Supply Chain Network is free and takes just a few minutes. Registering can help businesses showcase their products and services, increase visibility, generate enquiries, and access information on development opportunities and tenders. It also offers the ability to receive alerts on opportunities in specific sectors or disciplines, browse an opportunities map, and gain invites to targeted supply chain events. The network aims to save businesses time in finding new suppliers.

The network also works with SMEs in the Humber, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire region to connect them with supply chain opportunities. Support offered includes establishing supplier connections, making personal introductions and arranging 1-to-1 meetings, supporting or arranging business events with targeted invites, promoting business opportunities or tenders, and bringing businesses together to collaborate on opportunities.

By registering and accessing services, the network also aims to help businesses strengthen relationships with local partners, increase opportunities to buy local, reduce transportation costs, reduce emissions and energy usage, and support environmental and social responsibilities. Businesses have the opportunity to be seen by local, regional, national, and even international companies that have signed up to support the growth of their regional supply chains.

The Supply Chain Network is available to both new and established businesses, across various sectors including Agriculture, Business and Finance, Chemicals, Construction, Digital & Creative, Energy & Renewables, Food, ICT, Logistics, Manufacturing & Engineering, Skills and Training, and Visitor Economy.

Businesses interested in finding out more can visit http://www.thesupplychainetwork.co.uk They can also get in touch via email at supplychain@eastriding.gov.uk or by phone at 01482 391640.