The Local Buying Program (LBP) has reached a significant milestone contributing $250 million towards small local businesses across Australia.
Launched in 2012 the LBP is delivered by C-Res in partnership with BHP. The Program was created to increase opportunities for local businesses to provide goods and services to BHP Minerals Australia operations.
C-Res CEO, Tracey Cuttriss-Smith is proud of what the LBP has achieved in only six years.
“I am so pleased to have been a part of this journey and seeing what the Program can really do for small businesses in local communities like Mackay, and the true contribution we have made to the communities we live and work in”.
The success of the LBP is a direct result of local suppliers and BHP embracing the mutual benefits the Program offers. Local businesses now have greater visibility of work opportunities offered by BHP, and increased capability profiles to showcase and provide goods and services.
Challenging market conditions have encouraged innovation from local suppliers, with success stories emerging through the Program including new products and machinery, and advanced technology.
Locally owned and operated Mackay business C2H Piping Services was established in 2015 with a strong focus on delivering quality products and services in the HDPE piping market. Its commitment to upskilling youth and disabled people in the workforce has also been recognised, with C2H Piping Services receiving the Striving for Diversity Award at this year’s Resource Industry Network Awards.
General Manager Jamie Williams said C2H Piping Services are equally passionate about the local economy and promoting local businesses.
“Registration as an approved supplier on the Local Buying Program has secured access to numerous opportunities to work with the resource sector in Central Queensland, and provided a valuable connection to mine sites for supplying goods and services which was not previously readily available to our business”.
“The support and guidance offered by the C-Res team streamlined the whole process and the payment terms offered by the Program have made such a positive impact on our business cash flow. Our involvement with the Program has increased the visibility of C2H Piping Services in the region which is contributing to our growth”.
The success of the LBP has also resulted in increased funding for business development programs through the Local Buying Foundation. A percentage of each LBP transaction is allocated to the Foundation, which in turn invests in initiatives to continue building the resilience and capability of local suppliers.
Co-Chair of the Local Buying Foundation in Queensland Peter Dowling added “From concept to implementation, the Local Buying Program and its associated Foundation is delivering benefits not only to local businesses but BHP.
It’s a leading local procurement program designed to directly benefit local businesses, building regional business capacity for our operations in Queensland.”
For more information: please visit www.localbuying.com.au or www.localbuyingfoundation.com.au
Media Contact:Tracey Cuttriss-Smith, C-Res CEO (0418 647443)