Leeds Beckett University and YORhub Collaborate to Launch Supply Chain Management Toolkit for Construction Innovation

Leeds Beckett University partners with YORhub to develop a two-year Supply Chain Engagement Toolkit initiative.

Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with YORhub, Yorkshire's largest public sector procurement framework, to launch a Supply Chain Management Toolkit. This initiative seeks to diversify and increase the involvement of regional SMEs in public sector procurement frameworks, countering the dominance of larger firms and fostering innovation in a traditionally resistant sector.

Funded partially by the government through Innovate UK, this two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is set to introduce a substantial change management process. This transformation aims to challenge conventional working methods and provide continuous staff training to seamlessly integrate the Supply Chain Management Toolkit into YORhub for sustained effectiveness.

Beyond promoting SME growth, the partnership targets broader economic and environmental benefits. By prioritizing regional contractors, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, contributing positively to both the local economy and environmental sustainability.

The project will be overseen by a KTP associate, a talented graduate to be recruited as a full-time member of YORhub, backed by the academic support of Leeds Beckett University.

YORhub represents a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Sheffield City Council, North Yorkshire Council, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. It stands as the largest construction procurement framework in Yorkshire and the Humber, managing the most significant number of construction projects. Annually, approximately £2.5 billion is invested in capital construction across Yorkshire and Humber, with £460 million secured through YORhub frameworks.