Strengthening action on modern slavery
Social enterprises play an important role in creating inclusive employment opportunities but often face barriers to securing consistent commercial work.
On the Nottingham Footbridge project, the Balfour Beatty's Civil Engineering team identified an opportunity to use social procurement to deliver meaningful social value while supporting local organisations.
The project became the first in Nottingham to work with all three social enterprises operated by Grace Enterprises, a Nottingham‑based organisation that creates Living Wage employment for people facing barriers to work.
These partnerships included: Radiant Cleaners, providing site and office cleaning services; Half the Story, a bakery supplying locally baked biscuits for the project team and events; and Jubilee Events, supporting the project’s press day with marquee hire and event services.
Collectively, Grace Enterprises has supported more than 100 people into employment, demonstrating how everyday purchasing decisions can deliver positive social impact.
By embedding social value into procurement decisions, we supported local social enterprises helping to create inclusive employment opportunities within the community.
100
people supported into employment through Grace Enterprises
3
social enterprises engaged through the Nottingham Footbridge project
