Empowering Entrepreneurs: Why Supplier Readiness and Social Value are the Future

Kartar Consulting Solutions had the privilege of mentoring GMAX Track Stars through the Springboard Academy Supplier Readiness Programme, an initiative led by BUD Leaders and Georgina Wilson FRSA.

What unfolded during the session was nothing short of extraordinary: a room filled with entrepreneurs brimming with energy, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. It reminded me why spaces like these are so important — because transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when people, ideas, and ambition come together.

GMAX Track Stars exemplifies this spirit.They are not just a sports organisation — they are a force for social change. Their grassroots athletics initiatives, partnerships with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Sporting Equals, England Athletics, and the Metropolitan Police, have touched countless lives across the UK. And now, with the right support, they are poised to scale their impact even further.

Scaling impact requires more than passion.It demands strategic partnerships, operational readiness, and a deep understanding of how to navigate corporate ecosystems. That’s why programmes like Springboard Academy are vital. They bridge the gap between suppliers and corporate opportunities, equipping businesses like GMAX with the tools they need to not just survive, but thrive.

Greatness is Built at the Grassroots

Watching the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr fight was a powerful reminder:🏆 True greatness is built at the grassroots. (What a fight!!)

Organisations like GMAX Track Stars show us that sport is far more than competition — it’s a catalyst for change.Through sport, GMAX is reigniting human connection, strengthening families, building communities, and creating real opportunities for young people and disadvantaged groups.

Their work highlights an important truth:✅ Sustainable business success must go hand in hand with social value.

By breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, GMAX is not only developing athletes — they are shaping the future of our society.

Why This Matters: The UK Context

In the UK today, the case for supplier readiness and embedding social value has never been stronger:

• 16% of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are minority ethnic-owned, yet they face systemic barriers in accessing corporate supply chains.

• The UK’s ethnic minority businesses contribute £25 billion to the economy every year — a figure that could grow significantly with better access and engagement.

• Only 2% of corporate supply chain spend in the UK currently reaches these businesses, compared to 8–10% in the US market — highlighting a major opportunity for growth and impact.

• One in three young people in the UK now come from a minority ethnic background — meaning inclusive business practices are essential to reflect and serve the economy of the future.

• The government’s Social Value Model, introduced in 2021, now requires public sector buyers to evaluate social value explicitly in their procurement — signalling a shift toward embedding community impact into business decisions.

When we invest in organisations like GMAX Track Stars, we are not only supporting entrepreneurs — we are strengthening the UK economy, empowering communities, and unlocking the full potential of a vibrant society.

Together, we can create environments where potential is realised, opportunities are accessible, and futures are transformed.

Let’s lead. Let’s empower. Let’s invest where it matters most.

#SupplierReadiness #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveEconomy #SocialValue #UKBusiness #FutureofWork