Events and Networking
Business Breakfast: How to Do Business with the Council
Are you interested in supplying goods or services to the Council but unsure how the process works?
Blaby District Council is hosting a practical Business Breakfast designed to help local businesses better understand public sector procurement and how to access contract opportunities.
This session is ideal for micro, small and growing businesses who want to explore new routes to growth through public sector supply chains.
What the Session Will Cover
- Where to find current and upcoming Council contract opportunities
- How the procurement process works in practice
- What the Council looks for when evaluating bids
- Key tips to help you submit a clear, competitive tender
- An overview of procurement legislation and compliance requirements
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to engage with the Council and greater confidence in navigating the tendering process.
Guest Speaker
The session will be delivered by Kay Springthorpe, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Leicestershire County Council, who brings extensive experience in public sector procurement and supplier engagement. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and gain practical insight into how your business can prepare for future opportunities.
Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026 Time: 8am to 10am
Venue: Marriott Hotel, Grove Park – Leicester
Cost: Free to attend (booking required)
Places are limited and must be booked in advance using the form below:
Free business workshops
Blaby District Council is offering a series of fully funded business workshops to support local businesses that are ready to take their next step of growth.
These high-impact, half-day sessions focus on practical skills, clarity and tools that can be applied immediately. £250+ of high-impact, expert-led training per business – fully funded.
Who are these workshops for?
Designed for micro businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises in the Blaby District that are:
- Trading for around a year or more
- Past the initial set-up phase
- Ready to level up, refine and grow
Best suited to businesses looking to:
- Strengthen leadership and decision-making
- Improve clarity around their brand and messaging
- Work more efficiently, including practical use of AI
These sessions are not introductory and are intended for businesses already operating and preparing for their next phase.
Workshop Themes
Leadership
Build confidence, clarity and stronger decision-making as your business grows.
Branding
Clarify how you present your business, who you’re targeting and how your brand supports growth.
AI for Businesses
Understand and apply AI safely and practically to save time and improve productivity.
How places are allocated
Places are limited to ensure quality and impact.
Businesses are asked to complete a short Expression of Interest so we can:
- Understand needs and ambitions
- Ensure the workshop is the right fit
- Tailor content for attendees
A brief follow-up conversation with a Business Support Officer may be required before confirming a place.
Key information
- Half-day workshops (approximately 3 hours)
- Small groups (10 to 15 businesses)
- Fully funded for Blaby District businesses
- Delivered across March and April 2026
To register your interest in a workshop please email enterprisingblaby@blaby.gov.uk.
Digital Boost (linked below) has been created to provide much-needed digital support for small organisations. The platform is founded by Founders4Schools and BCG Digital Ventures, with support from DCMS.
The platform hosts a community of digital experts who offer one-to-one digital support to small businesses and charities free of charge to help them improve their digital capability to grow and prosper.
The Digital Growth Programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the East Midlands Chamber and Leicestershire County Council. This scheme is designed to help SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire embrace new digital technology to improve productivity to aid growth.
See the link below.