Creating social value through procurement
- Friday, October 16, 2026
- Posted By The Growth Company
At the Growth Company, creating social value is embedded in how we operate.
As a social enterprise, we use our resources, partnerships and purchasing power to create positive economic, social and environmental impact. From the suppliers we choose to work with, to the support we provide for businesses and communities, we're committed to creating opportunities that help people, places and organisations thrive.
Over the last three years, 58% of our strategic spend with suppliers has been with SMEs and VCSFE organisations, helping direct investment towards organisations that play a vital role in creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.
We know that smaller businesses and VCSFE organisations often face challenges when competing for contracts, despite the value they bring to the communities and sectors they serve.
That's why our commitment to inclusive procurement extends beyond our own supply chain. Through specialist business support, procurement support, social value expertise and practical guidance, we help SMEs and VCSFE organisations access public sector contract opportunities, strengthen tender submissions and demonstrate the wider impact they deliver.
By helping organisations understand social value requirements, develop meaningful commitments and measure their impact, we're helping them compete more effectively and grow sustainably.
One example is Stockport Advocacy, which provides statutory advocacy services for people who may lack the capacity to make decisions.
Through the GM Business Growth Hub, we supported the organisation as it prepared for a contract opportunity with Stockport Council, helping it understand the National TOMs framework, identify additional social value it could create and strengthen its tender submission.
Combined with leadership, mentoring and business-planning support, this helped Stockport Advocacy secure a contract worth £2.7 million while strengthening the organisation's long-term resilience and approach to social value.
Renewable energy business NPS Solar received tailored support through Green Economy to navigate the public sector procurement process, develop its social value offer and strengthen its bid for a major contract opportunity. The support helped NPS Solar secure a £2m contract through Greater Manchester's Powering Our Schools programme, creating new opportunities for business growth while contributing to Greater Manchester's transition to net zero. This demonstrates how targeted procurement and social value support can help SMEs access new markets, win contracts and increase their impact.
Whether through directing our own spending towards SMEs and VCSFEs or helping organisations win contracts and maximise their social value, our approach is helping deliver benefits far beyond the individual organisations we work with. It strengthens communities, gives public services access to innovative delivery partners and local economies become more resilient and inclusive.
Matt Richardson is Head of Social Impact and Procurement and sees first-hand the difference that procurement opportunities can make to organisations.
“Winning a contract can safeguard and create jobs, strengthen services and open up new opportunities for growth. Our role is to help businesses and social enterprises navigate that process, demonstrate the value they create and put themselves in the strongest possible position to succeed. Just as importantly, we're committed to applying those same principles within the Growth Company through the way we spend, partner and create social value ourselves."
Social value isn't just part of what we do. It's part of how we work. By embedding it in our own operations and helping other organisations do the same, we're creating opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for people, businesses and communities.
If you're an SME or VCSFE organisation looking to access procurement opportunities or strengthen your social value offer, find out how the Growth Company can support your organisation - Business | The Growth Company