[C]umbria Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Eva Foran as Supply Chain Development Manager.
Eva brings a wealth of experience from managing complex stakeholder relationships in the nuclear sector through to delivering community engagement projects for major infrastructure companies.
Her knowledge and understanding of how large companies and SMEs operate will be valuable in driving business growth in Cumbria’s supply chain.
She said: “I have experienced the challenges SMEs face and can often see huge opportunities that large companies offer.
“Often, for SMEs, there are barriers that prevent them from grabbing those opportunities.
“Whether that is the lack of the right accreditations or they need some training to upskill their team, our Supply Chain Gateway can help with that journey to business growth”.
This is Eva’s second spell with the Chamber.
Chief Executive Rob Johnston said: “Eva was very much part of our team during the development of the Supply Chain Gateway in 2016, and was heavily involved in the research we did to understand supply chains as they affect Cumbrian businesses.
“I’m delighted that she has come back at this vital stage as we apply that accumulated knowledge to help businesses maximise opportunities and win contracts.”
The Supply Chain Gateway is delivered through the Chamber’s Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
It helps SMEs understand what procurers in large organisations expect from suppliers and, crucially, how to meet their procurement criteria, enabling them to land lucrative contracts.
It also helps large organisations recognise how SME suppliers can contribute to their success.
As part of the initiative, businesses can sign up for a free webinar on Tuesday, November 21, from 7pm-8pm, on bidding for public sector contracts. Click here to register or visit the supply chain section of the Growth Hub website www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.
The Supply Chain Gateway offers sector and organization-specific information, online tools and resources including forums where businesses can swap tips and exchange experiences, a business directory, interactive tools and an events diary.
SMEs get access to professional advisers, sources of funding, networking opportunities, training courses and workshops, while a subsidy scheme can help gain accreditations or access consultancy. Much of this support comes free of charge.
A key strength is the role played by large procurers in Cumbria such as Innovia Films, BAE Systems, Pirelli, Booths, the Box Encapsulation Plant project at Sellafield, and Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure.
Modules explain in simple terms what businesses need to do to become their suppliers, including short video presentations from participating procurers, and there are lists of tender opportunities.
The Growth Hub can also link businsess to other support such as the Cumbria Manufacturing Service and Fit for Nuclear.
For more information about the Supply Chain Gateway and how you could benefit, please contact Eva on 07876 861 266 or email [email protected].
