London's largest organisations want to work with small and diverse businesses

LAIN, the London Anchor Institutions' Network, is a partnership between the public sector, education, cultural, faith-based and private industry organisations.

Its members, some of the largest employers and procurers in London, want to work with more of London's smaller and diverse-owned businesses as suppliers. LAIN members include:

• Greater London Authority (GLA).

• London Fire Brigade.

• Metropolitan Police.

• NHS London.

• Transport for London (TfL).

• Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

• University of London.

• Capital City College Group.

• London Legacy Development Corporation.

What does this mean for SMEs?

The members of LAIN collectively enter into contracts worth more than £1 billion with SMEs every year.

As well as procuring services directly from SMEs, there are also opportunities for SMEs to enter the supply chains of larger strategic suppliers.

LAIN member organisations are working with SME support networks to reach more small and medium enterprises.

We want to raise awareness of how to pitch for work with big businesses, signpost to supplier readiness programmes and share contracting opportunities.

Finding contract opportunities and guides

Find more information about contract opportunities and how to do business with LAIN in the LAIN Buyers' Brochure.

All public authority contracts are published on the UK government's central digital platform Find a Tender.

You need to register for a GOV.UK One Login. The Procurement Act 2023 requires contracting authorities to publish all contracts worth more than £2 million on this service.

Some LAIN members are also regularly publishing their contracts over £100,000 here. Check back in regularly to stay up to date with all the latest opportunities.

Learn more about how to pitch your social value offer as an SME with the LAIN Guide to Social Value.

Business support organisations

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) provides funding to help boost small business productivity, encourage growth, increase job opportunities and restore a sense of local pride. Projects are funded until 2026.

Of these projects, the following organisations provide supplier readiness support to businesses:

• Inclusive Supply Chain (Newable).

• Minority Business Matters (Heart of the City).

• Community Enterprise Project (Selby Trust).

• Employment Support (West London Alliance).

• The Supplier Readiness Programme (Westminster City Council).

• Supply Connect (supported by JPMorganChase).

Grow London Local: Support for London's small businesses

No matter where you're based in London, you'll find relevant support and guidance on business planning, sales and marketing and much more, as well as opportunities to connect with like-minded business owners. Visit Grow London Local now

Disclaimer: Please note these guides have been created by and for the London Anchor Institutions' Network (LAIN) and may not reflect the specific procurement approaches, requirements and resources of other clients; it does not replace the procurement regulations, policies or procedures set up by legislation and/ or specific buying organisation which must be adhered to at all times.