Heathrow Business Summit celebrates record SME turnout as airport doubles supply chain investment to £2 billion

Credit: London Heathrow Airport

Nearly a thousand business leaders gathered at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for the 27th Heathrow Business Summit, marking the biggest event in its history. The summit celebrated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from London and across the UK that form the backbone of the airport’s supply chain and the wider economy.

Heathrow Airport currently invests over £1 billion annually in its supply chain but plans to double this to £2 billion by 2027, creating greater opportunities for SMEs to participate. Local and smaller firms already make up 60 per cent of Heathrow’s suppliers, underpinning employment and contributing to national growth. From family-run companies to innovative start-ups, these businesses play a key role in keeping more than 80 million passengers and £215 billion of trade moving through the airport each year.

The event, held in partnership with local chambers of commerce and business organisations, featured speeches by Heathrow’s Chief Executive, Thomas Woldbye, and Lord David Blunkett, along with panel discussions led by senior Heathrow representatives and existing suppliers. Participants attended workshops detailing the supplier journey and took part in Meet the Buyer sessions, connecting directly with decision-makers from Tier 1 suppliers to discuss potential collaborations.

Becky Coffin, Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, highlighted the scale of upcoming investment: “Heathrow is embarking on a major upgrade programme to modernise the airport and enhance the experience for our passengers. Our five-year plan looks to double our private investment to £10 billion, and SMEs will be vital in helping us deliver these upgrades to ensure an even better service.

“This represents a huge opportunity for businesses across the UK to join our supply chain and support Britain’s global gateway, even before construction begins on a potential third runway. SMEs have long been the lifeblood of our success, and it’s fantastic to see so many stepping forward to grow with us.”

Lord Blunkett reinforced the importance of inclusive economic development: “It’s pivotal that as Heathrow grows, so do the communities around it. That growth is not just measured in passenger numbers or infrastructure but in lives improved, careers built and local economies strengthened. Preparing individuals with the skills needed, and offering opportunities to previously excluded groups, will enable many more to benefit from expansion.

“Public entities, businesses and local communities each have a vital role to play—and only by working together can we create the kind of economic foundation that lasts. Bringing these groups together through collaborative initiatives like the Heathrow Business Summit offers SMEs a platform to connect with the Heathrow supply chain, unlocking the potential for real, inclusive growth—growth that benefits everyone.”

Among the many businesses attending was The Pallet Yard, a Southall-based SME that forms part of Heathrow’s supply network. Ruth-Anne Lynch, Co-Director of The Pallet Yard, said: “Working with Heathrow is huge for an SME like ourselves. The Business Summit opens doors for new suppliers to start building relationships with Heathrow and its wider network, including with more tier-one suppliers within the supply chain, creating even greater opportunities for growth.”

For details on how to do business with Heathrow and view current opportunities, visit competeFor.com/heathrow.

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