South Ken ZEN+ Suppliers Symposium 2026

On 10 September 2026, South Ken ZEN+ hosted its first Suppliers Symposium at Imperial College London, welcoming 60 attendees representing 34 SMEs for an afternoon of practical guidance, expert insights and discussion on reducing carbon emissions.

The event was developed by our Procurement Working Group in response to a challenge many smaller businesses are currently facing. As expectations around emissions reporting and sustainable procurement continue to grow, SMEs are increasingly being asked to provide sustainability data and demonstrate their environmental credentials. For organisations at the beginning of that journey, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

With that in mind, the Symposium was designed to provide practical, accessible support. Through a series of workshops, attendees explored topics including carbon accounting, supplier reporting requirements and energy efficiency. Alongside the formal sessions, there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and hear different perspectives from clients, sustainability practitioners and fellow suppliers.

A collaborative effort

A key strength of the event was the spirit of collaboration that brought it to life. Drawing on expertise from across the South Ken Culture Quarter network, the Symposium showcased what can be achieved when organisations work together towards a shared goal. Imperial College London generously hosted the event, while seven South Ken ZEN+ members each contributed £200 towards delivery costs, enabling the Symposium to take place at no net cost to the programme.

That collaborative approach was reflected in the feedback received from attendees and members alike. Responses were overwhelmingly positive, with every element of the programme achieving a score of at least 4.5 out of 5. Members also highlighted the value of delivering the initiative collectively through South Ken ZEN+, recognising that organising a similar event independently would have required significantly more time and resources.

Looking ahead

The Symposium has created a strong foundation for ongoing engagement with suppliers. The feedback gathered on the day will help shape future activities and identify areas where additional training, guidance and support could make the greatest impact.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the event possible, including the project team, speakers, workshop facilitators, contributing members, Imperial College London and, of course, the suppliers who gave their time to take part and contribute to the discussions.