Since its creation, I-Construct has supported over 300 members of the construction industry in the South East to access the connections, mentorship, and financial support needed to meet sector challenges and grow sustainably. In the autumn of 2022, I-Construct is taking the opportunities to its members through a series of roadshows across Kent, Essex and East Sussex, where it will also promote the next phase of its support – a new supply chain collaboration platform.

Supply Chain Collaboration Platform

I-Construct will be discussing their new supply chain collaboration platform, which will help businesses develop local and regional supply chains around major construction projects. By creating and maintaining their information on the platform, members can easily keep up to date with business development opportunities in one place. The platform will also be used by the major projects themselves along with Tier 1 and Tier 2 developers and contractors to build relationships with local suppliers,

Construction supply chain companies need to understand their clients, what procurement processes they use, what the key contract award criteria is and which other companies or sectors they might need to collaborate with. From a client perspective, working with local suppliers on these projects is vital as it creates local jobs, provides better value, and adds to the overall social and environmental benefits of any investment. The new I-Construct supply chain collaboration platform aims to directly strengthen and develop these essential local and regional supply chains in Kent, Essex and East Sussex.

In Person Roadshows throughout Kent and Essex

The I-Construct Roadshows are a series of 4 unique events taking place across Kent, Essex and East Sussex from September – November 2022, with the aim of helping construction industry professionals better access the market, get involved with major projects, connect to the supply chain, and develop their business networks. The Roadshows will also include speakers from Tier 1 contractors discussing the most pressing issues in the sector, as well as outlining current opportunities throughout Kent, Essex and East Sussex. 

The first Roadshow of the series takes place on the 21st of September in Maidstone, Kent with subsequent events held on 28th September in Braintree, 19th October in Orsett, and 9th November in Tunbridge Wells. Interested parties can sign up for the event free of charge on I-Construct’s website: https://i-construct.org.uk/

Building resilient businesses through the I-Construct network

I-Construct’s mission is to unite like-minded businesses and client organisations in an active, forward-thinking community. The I-Construct network functions both on and offline, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to:

• Win new work by connecting them with major projects, client groups, and potential supply chain partners.
• Improve their competitiveness and procurement readiness.
• Evolve their businesses through technology and innovation.
• Make time and space for business development strategy and planning.

Anita Thornberry, Executive Director of Haven Gateway Partnership says,

“We’re excited about the positive effect our roadshow events will have on SMEs and the supply chain in Kent and Essex. As well as offering an opportunity for face-to-face relationship building, we will be raising awareness of our new supply chain collaboration platform, and I would encourage any business or individual wanting to get involved in major projects in the Kent, Essex and East Sussex areas to attend the free events, sign up to I-Construct, and stay informed.”

Get Involved

I-Construct is currently free to join (the programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Until the end of the year.) Complete our form and we’ll be in touch to confirm your membership: www.i-construct.org.uk/#involved

Any questions? Let us know and we’ll be happy to help: i-construct@haven-gateway.org