Heathrow Local Growth Taskforce publishes report on strengthening local supply chains

The Heathrow Local Growth Taskforce has launched a new report examining how the airport’s local supply chain can be strengthened and better connected to economic growth opportunities around Heathrow.

image: Heathrow Airport

The taskforce brings together representatives from Heathrow Airport, local authorities across west London and the Thames Valley, local enterprise partnerships, chambers of commerce, business groups and education and skills organisations. The group was established to provide joint oversight and strategic direction on how Heathrow’s operations and future development can support sustainable economic growth in surrounding communities, with members working collaboratively to align business support, skills provision and infrastructure priorities.

The Local Supply Chain Report sets out current patterns of procurement linked to the airport and identifies ways in which local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, can play a larger role in supplying goods and services.

According to the taskforce, the report is intended to provide a clearer picture of how Heathrow’s purchasing activity affects the regional economy and where barriers exist for local firms seeking to access contracts. It highlights the importance of making procurement processes more transparent and accessible, as well as supporting businesses to develop the skills and capacity needed to compete for work within a complex aviation supply chain.

The report also reflects the taskforce’s wider remit, which includes employment, skills and surface access, and positions the supply chain as a key lever for inclusive growth. The taskforce’s core premise is that increasing local participation spreads economic benefits associated with the airport more evenly across neighbouring communities, supporting job creation and business growth beyond the airport boundary.

Heathrow and its partners describe the report as a baseline rather than a conclusion, with its findings intended to inform future initiatives and collaboration with local stakeholders. The taskforce is expected to use the report to monitor progress over time and to shape further actions aimed at improving opportunities for local suppliers as the airport and surrounding area continue to evolve.