Supporting communities through our supply chain

Buying from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a great way of generating local growth and contributing to the social and economic fabric of a community. As a large international organization, our potential to support local communities is enormous.

The program helps address these barriers by creating more flexible distribution networks, streamlined processed (such as accelerated invoice treatment) as well as mentoring and additional support which not only help SMEs to work more effectively with us, but also makes them more competitive in the marketplace overall.

We also run mentoring programs to support our diverse suppliers in their growth at a local level such as the SME program in the UK or Impact+ in France. 

In the UK & Ireland, over 60% of our 4,400 suppliers are SMEs and VCSEs (voluntary, community and social enterprise’s). Our Professional Mentorship Programme in the UK is designed to link volunteers (mentors) to individuals (mentees) from SME suppliers seeking support and advice in areas such as business strategy, policies and procedures, as well as net zero. 

In June 2022, Sodexo UK&I’s Net Zero Lead, Simon Mussett, was paired with Brett Mendell, Director at Thomas Kneale, who manufacture, import and distribute contract textiles, to provide net zero support. Through the program Thomas Kneale were provided with advice, support and a baseline calculation of Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions was established. Actions were then taken to reduce GHG emissions, including sourcing a new 100% renewable electricity tariff to reduce Scope 2 GHG emissions associated with purchased electricity.

Supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounts for over 34% of our total footprint. Collaborating with suppliers to collectively reduce emissions is critical in us achieving our 2040 net zero target. 

Find out more about how we source products responsibly