A pioneering new initiative has officially launched this month with the mission of transforming the way businesses of all sizes, in the county buy, sell, and grow. Together Gloucestershire is a game-changing platform designed to help the County’s great small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) connect with major public and private sector buyers across the county. At its core, the platform champions ethical procurement, sustainability, and inclusive economic development.
The platform offers a suite of tools and resources to help businesses thrive, including its intuitive supplier directory that allows large buyers to find qualified, ethical suppliers within Gloucestershire and SMEs to boost credibility and gain access to large procurement opportunities.
To sign-up, businesses are required to commit to an Ethical Business Promise, enabling suppliers to signal their commitment to responsible practices. Together Gloucestershire also serves as a hub for knowledge, events, and best practice around local supply chains and sustainable commerce.
The initiative has been co-developed with input from local businesses, business support organisations, and anchor institutions including local councils, Universities and NHS trusts. It has already attracted enthusiastic support from procurement leaders keen to embed social value and carbon reduction in their purchasing processes. Partners actively involved in the project include St James’s Place, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Spirax Sarco, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire NHS Trust, Renishaw, and Gloucestershire County Council among others.
“Together Gloucestershire is more than just another business platform. It’s a movement,” said Adam Vines, one of the project’s founding partners. “It’s about creating real economic opportunities for SMEs in Gloucestershire and streamlining the procurement process for large businesses needing strong and ethical partners they can depend on. We are excited to be spearheading this movement and creating a model for other counties to follow.”
An annual subscription starts from just £20 per annum for Sole Traders.
To register and explore the platform, visit: togethergloucestershire.co.uk
About Together Gloucestershire: Together Gloucestershire is a local-first, ethical procurement initiative aimed at strengthening Gloucestershire’s supply chains, reducing environmental impact, and increasing opportunities for SMEs. The platform is funded and supported by Gloucestershire County Council and a range of regional partners.
