Southeastern has joined forces with Action Sustainability, a sustainability consultancy, to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within its supply chain.
This partnership marks an industry first, recognising the critical role SMEs play in driving positive environmental and social change. By providing SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and support they need, Southeastern and Action Sustainability aim to unlock sustainability opportunities and ensure these businesses can thrive as part of a greener, fairer economy.
The initiative, which was officially launched today at a virtual event, will focus on three key areas: sustainable procurement, modern slavery prevention, and climate action. Through a series of free training sessions and practical guidance, SMEs will be equipped to address these challenges and meet the growing expectations of responsible business practices.
Graham Mollison, Head of Sustainability at Southeastern, said: “Sustainability isn’t something we can achieve alone—it’s a team effort. Partnering with Action Sustainability allows us to combine our strengths and ensure our SME suppliers are fully supported to embrace a greener future. This collaboration is a shining example of how we can work together to drive meaningful change, not just for our business, but for the communities and environments we serve.”
This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment by Southeastern and Action Sustainability to address some of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today. Together, they are focusing on three critical areas—sustainable procurement, the prevention of modern slavery, and climate action. These priorities align not only with Southeastern’s sustainability targets but also with broader goals for creating a more equitable and resilient society.
Tim Stockford, Head of Procurement at Southeastern, commented: “Our Procurement Social Value Charter is about creating meaningful, sustainable impacts—not just for Southeastern but for the wider community. This initiative aims to support SMEs and provide access to additional knowledge and tools to contribute to sustainability while remaining competitive in an evolving market. It’s a further step forward for us, and we’re excited about the positive change this will bring”
Mellita D’Silva, Lead Sustainable Procurement Consultant, Action Sustainability, said: “Southeastern are one of the organisations that are mature in their sustainable procurement approach. They have consistently implemented the recommendations and continuous improvement based on the ISO 20400 evaluation we conducted for them, in embedding their Procurement Social Value Charter commitments and requirements into the supply chain.
They are now going one step further, in showing collaborative efforts to upskills not only within their organisations but also their supply chain, especially SMEs on sustainability topics, requirements and the procurement process”.
By working together, Southeastern and Action Sustainability are setting a new standard for collaboration between large corporations and SMEs. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership and the potential to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
