Focus
Inclusive growth and social impact.
Overview
The Economic Empowerment and Social Equity Zone is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and supporting local economies through procurement practices. This zone provides comprehensive training on creating economic opportunities for all, social value in procurement, diversity and inclusion, and leveraging procurement to tackle social challenges.
Key Learning Areas
- Fostering Economic Opportunities: Attendees will learn how to create and expand economic opportunities for diverse communities, ensuring that procurement practices benefit all stakeholders.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Participants will discover methods to support and strengthen local businesses, enhancing their capacity to compete and thrive in the market.
- Social Value in Procurement: Attendees will learn how to integrate social value into procurement processes, ensuring that procurement decisions contribute positively to society.
Benefits of Attending
- Promote Inclusive Growth: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to implement procurement practices that drive inclusive economic growth.
- Support Community Development: Understand how procurement decisions can contribute to the development and empowerment of local communities.
- Network with Experts: Connect with industry leaders and experts who are committed to leveraging procurement to address social challenges and promote equity.
Economic Empowerment & Social Equity Zone Agenda
10:35 - 11:00
Procuring to Deliver Social Value and Community Wealth Building
Speakers

Jamie Lawson
Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Lead
Social Enterprise Scotland
Procuring to Deliver Social Value and Community Wealth Building - 10:35 - 11:00
Speakers

Jamie Lawson
Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Lead
Social Enterprise Scotland
11:35 - 12:00
The New PPN on Reserving Contracts for Supported Businesses
Speakers

Alistair Kerr
Chair
Community Wealth Advocacy Group
The New PPN on Reserving Contracts for Supported Businesses - 11:35 - 12:00
Speakers

Alistair Kerr
Chair
Community Wealth Advocacy Group
12:05 - 12:30
Transport Scotland’s Adoption of the NEC4 ECC Contract
Speakers

John Docherty
Head of Contracts Team
Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland’s Adoption of the NEC4 ECC Contract - 12:05 - 12:30
Speakers

John Docherty
Head of Contracts Team
Transport Scotland
13:35 - 14:00
GO Awards - The Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline Project
Speakers

Andy Bell
CEO & Founder
HelpFirst
GO Awards - The Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline Project - 13:35 - 14:00
Speakers

Andy Bell
CEO & Founder
HelpFirst
14:05 - 14:30
Improving Accessibility for Micro-Firms and the Third Sector in the Supply Chain
Improving Accessibility for Micro-Firms and the Third Sector in the Supply Chain - 14:05 - 14:30
14:35 - 15:00
Maximising Local Supply Chains for Economic Resilience
Maximising Local Supply Chains for Economic Resilience - 14:35 - 15:00


28th October 2025