Kingston Council's new Construction Sector Network is helping build new supply chains and bringing new jobs to Kingston, says the council.

The council says it "is committed to building stronger local supply chains and increasing employment opportunities, both through its own procurement, its larger contracts and its engagement with large developers when new building schemes take place in the borough".

According to the authority, "The new Construction Sector Network, brought together by the council, aims to provide a regular place for suppliers and buyers to come together, build trusted relationships and to help more local companies connect and benefit from the borough wide investment being made".

It said: "Supporting local small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in this way, increases employment opportunities for residents as well as boosting the capacity and skills needed in the construction sector."

The 'Supply Kingston' programme started in September 2025 and featured a spotlight presentation from the council's housing maintenance contractor Cardo Group. Cardo shared its upcoming pipeline of opportunities and how to become a Cardo supply chain partner.

Over 40 SMEs attended and it has resulted in new introductions, promotional opportunities and even one local scaffolding firm being onboarded as a long-term supplier, as well as another about to start a two-month trial with Cardo.

The network has received positive feedback from the buyers and SMEs who attended. 

Jack Powell of PJ Scaffolding said: "We attended the first Supply Kingston event and met the procurement team at Cardo. We quickly started discussions about upcoming opportunities and are really pleased to have now been onboarded to supply them with our services. 

"I have been to a few similar events in the past which have not always felt focused or like they offered real opportunities for SMEs; however, Kingston's event had a clear purpose, and both the Council and Cardo demonstrated a genuine desire to engage with local businesses.

"I encourage other construction businesses to attend future events."

Kingston Council has also been working closely with Cardo Group, to offer employment opportunities for residents across the borough. 

Last year, the council supported Cardo Group to recruit 10 new apprentices into various different roles from planned works supervisors and complaints handlers to multi-trade apprentices. 

Andrew Campion, corporate head of housing asset management at Kingston Council said: "Apprenticeships play a vital role in opening doors for rewarding careers, and it's encouraging to see so many new recruits bringing their enthusiasm and beginning their careers with us.

"With the support of colleagues across both organisations, we're confident that our apprentices will grow in confidence and capability. Together with Cardo, we're investing in the future workforce and creating routes into skilled employment.

The council offers a wide range of apprenticeship schemes for people aged 16 and over and not in full time education. You can find out more information and how to apply on its website here.

The second event in November connected SMEs with London Square, the developers transforming the Grade II* listed Surrey County Hall in Kingston, into a new residential development. 

London Square shared the schedule of work and upcoming opportunities for local SMEs to join their supply chain, including a wide range of trades from carpentry, brickwork and landscaping to fire protection and security.

The next event, taking place on 24 February will spotlight opportunities with Countryside Partnership (Vistry), the council's development partner for the Cambridge Road Estate Regeneration.

Local businesses who are keen to get involved and explore new potential contract opportunities can join the  local supplier directory and learn more about similar events and initiatives.

If you are interested in more resources and support for your business, visit the dedicated web pages as well as the Employment and Skills hub, which provides information on retrofit upskilling for the construction sector.