Flying High

Contract to Community is my concept to deliver real social value and impact through procurement. Although the mechanism is commercially confidential, the system takes the burden of demonstrating social value away from suppliers and ensures a joined-up approach that brings real financial investment to local communities while opening supply chains and ensuring prompt payment - a win, win for everyone.

Over the last few weeks I have had meetings with everyone from business people to Brigadiers, public sector officers to procurers, and social enterprises to business support organisations. I can honestly say that it has been met with almost universal approval. The one thing we all agreed is that a pilot project is needed. It is early days, but I have had two very exciting meetings with Babcock and we are scoping the possibility of just such a pilot. I am so grateful to them, particularly Brendan Staniforth and James Smith, for being so open and engaging.

There is still a long way to go, but I can honestly say I haven't been this excited since I flew my first solo as a private pilot! Let's hope I can pilot the project as well as I piloted the plane. Before I torture that metaphor any longer, I will sign off. Thanks for your support and watch this space...