Case Studies
Procurement
Welcome to the case studies page for the London Anchor Institutions Network’s Procurement Working Group. Here, we showcase practical examples of how anchor institutions are using procurement as a force for social good—supporting local businesses, investing in diverse suppliers, and embedding equity into every step of the supply chain.
From innovative contracting practices to real-world supplier success stories, these case studies highlight how values-led procurement is helping reshape London’s economy from the inside out. Explore how strategic sourcing can build resilience, unlock opportunity, and drive meaningful community impact.
London’s new Architecture + Urbanism Framework has EDI at its core
This case study explores how the Mayor of London’s Architecture + Urbanism (A+U) Framework is reimagining public procurement in the built environment to deliver real-world social impact. Led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and supported by Transport for London (TfL), the initiative makes inclusive design easier to commission—and much harder to ignore.
The A+U Framework demonstrates how smarter sourcing can uplift underrepresented suppliers, reshape industry norms, and contribute to more cohesive, equitable cities. It’s a bold blueprint for how anchor institutions can align their spending power with their values.
Small and Diverse Suppliers Engagement Event
More than 100 small businesses came to the Small and Diverse Suppliers Engagement Event hosted by London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN) and MSDUK at the University of East London to learn about opportunities to supply goods and services to major organisations across the city, supported by Mayor of London.
Meet the Buyer: Reflections from a Commercial Director
The London Anchor Institutions' Network (LAIN) procurement working group is committed to reshaping public procurement to drive inclusive economic growth. On 29 June 2023, LAIN brought together representatives from the NHS, Metropolitan Police Service, London Fire Brigade, Greater London Authority, Westminster City Council and others for a landmark ‘Meet the Buyer’ event at the RSA.
This case study spotlights a powerful step forward in engaging diverse-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the capital. With partners like the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Supply Change and Federation of Small Businesses, the day focused on making procurement more transparent, collaborative and impactful. It reflects LAIN’s mission to spend up to 30% of collective budgets with diverse suppliers—ensuring London’s anchor instituti
Micro Business Boosts Medical Science: A Big Win with the University of London
Meet Matt, a micro business owner whose breakthrough contract with the University of London has paved the way for fresh ideas, expanded networks, and cutting-edge innovation in medical science. In this case study, discover how a small business became a key player in a major research initiative—thanks to inclusive procurement from one of London’s Anchor Institutions. From opportunity to impact, Matt’s journey shows the power of investing in local enterprise to drive scientific progress. Watch how small businesses are helping shape the future of healthcare innovation.
Unlocking the talent pipeline by including autistic people in your workforce
Procurement isn’t just a back-office function—it’s one of the public sector’s most powerful levers for change. This case study follows the London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN) as it joins Camden Council and UCL’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose in rethinking procurement as a mission-driven, system-wide tool to tackle London’s social and economic challenges.
With billions spent annually, LAIN members are working to embed purpose into their supply chains—redirecting spending towards smaller, diverse London-based businesses while unlocking innovation and improving economic resilience. The roundtable highlighted the skills, systems, culture and leadership needed to reshape procurement into a collaborative, user-focused engine of inclusive growth. It’s not easy work, but it’s transformational.
Winning Work with the Met: Investing in Local, Diverse Businesses
Discover how the Metropolitan Police Service is turning its £84 million procurement pledge into real opportunity for local enterprise. In this case study, we spotlight Coniston Ltd—just one of the many small and diverse businesses benefitting from the Met’s commitment to buying locally and inclusively. From contracts to community growth, this is a story of public spending with purpose—driving economic opportunity and representation in London’s supply chains. Watch how inclusive procurement is helping local businesses thrive.