NEWS

By Bev Foster

As businesses across the North navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs, and increasing customer expectations, strong supply chains have never been more important. Whether it's manufacturers looking to reach new markets, technology companies seeking trusted delivery partners, or SMEs aiming to improve resilience, supply chains play a critical role in driving growth, productivity and competitiveness.

 At RTC North, we work with businesses across the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber to help them strengthen supply chains, unlock new opportunities and build the connections needed to grow. Through a range of funded programmes, specialist support and regional partnerships, we're helping organisations become more resilient, innovative and ready to seize new opportunities.

 This is the fourth article in our supply chain series, showcasing how collaboration and targeted support can help businesses scale, create jobs and access new markets.

 Supply Chains as a Catalyst for Growth

 A strong supply chain is about far more than moving products from one place to another. It provides businesses with access to new customers, trusted partners, specialist expertise and the confidence to expand into new markets. Across the North, supply chains are connecting businesses of all sizes, helping them share knowledge, overcome common challenges and identify opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. When these relationships work effectively, businesses can reduce risk, improve efficiency and accelerate growth. However, many companies face barriers that prevent them from fully capitalising on these opportunities. These can include quality standards requirements, procurement challenges, skills gaps or difficulties accessing new customer networks.

This is where targeted support can make a significant difference.

 Supporting Businesses to Reach New Markets

 An example of this can be seen through the success of Simply Moving and Sleeping Ltd with West Yorkshire Supply Chain, where West Yorkshire-based manufacturer Simply used support from RTC North to strengthen its business and expand into new regions.

Simply, which manufactures specialist disability equipment for local authorities, schools and the NHS, was looking to grow beyond its established markets. Despite having a strong product offer, expanding into the North East proved challenging due to a lack of regional presence and established networks.

 Through the West Yorkshire Supply Chain programme, RTC North helped the business secure funding and specialist support to achieve ISO 9001 certification. This internationally recognised quality standard provided the credibility needed to compete for larger contracts and access new opportunities.

The impact was significant. The certification enabled Simply to secure work in the North East, recruit four new engineers and invest in an additional operational unit in the region. The business has also submitted further contract applications as it continues to expand its footprint.

As Georgie Parkinson, Service Delivery Manager at Simply, explained:

"The support RTC North has provided us with has been invaluable. Securing the funding to enable us to achieve our ISO 9001:2015 certification has allowed our business to grow substantially. RTC North has been with us every step of the way, helping us to achieve our business goals."

A Northern Approach to Supply Chain Growth

While every business has its own growth ambitions, the challenges they face are often similar. Accessing procurement opportunities, meeting industry standards, identifying suitable partners and building resilience are common priorities across sectors.

RTC North works with businesses throughout the North to address these challenges through practical, tailored support. This includes helping companies improve competitiveness, strengthen operational capability, access new markets and connect with wider supply chain networks.

Our approach is built around collaboration. By working closely with businesses, local authorities, industry partners and regional stakeholders, we help create the conditions for long-term, sustainable growth.

 Looking Ahead

The North is home to world-class businesses, innovative manufacturers and ambitious SMEs. As supply chain resilience and regional collaboration continue to rise up the business agenda, there is a growing opportunity to strengthen connections between organisations and unlock economic growth across the region.

Success stories such as these demonstrate what can be achieved when businesses are given the right support at the right time. Through investment in skills, quality standards, innovation and collaboration, businesses can build stronger foundations for growth while contributing to a more connected and resilient northern economy.

At RTC North, we remain committed to helping businesses across the North strengthen their supply chains, seize new opportunities and realise their growth ambitions.