A new learning and development support programme for SMEs
Aligning with our Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategies, this initiative will support our strategic objective of fostering a thriving supply chain and making positive impact on the SME community.
The programme offers a mix of in-person and virtual workshops to support SMEs in building practical knowledge and capabilities. It focuses on key areas aligned with Heathrow’s minimum procurement requirements (essential workshop), including carbon reporting, health and safety, cyber and data protection, insurance, and responsible business foundations.
The programme includes a mix of in-person and virtual workshops to help you build practical skills and knowledge.
New workshop dates will be added here as they are confirmed.
The Heathrow SME Academy is working with the Westmont Enterprise Hub at the University of West London and Brunel University London to offer free business support and learning for SMEs.
The programme includes online webinars and in-person workshops led by university experts, industry specialists and business leaders.
Topics include AI, innovation funding, intellectual property, digital marketing and business growth, with practical advice to help SMEs develop their skills, grow their business and find new opportunities.
In collaboration with: University of West London
Speaker: Gemma Pybus
Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Time: 1pm–2pm
Format: Online webinar
Learn how to use digital marketing and AI to raise your business profile, build trust with customers and support growth.
In collaboration with: Brunel University London
Speakers: Steve Armitage, Heathrow; Dr Michael Joseph; Professor Geoffrey Rodgers; Dr Andrew Tucker
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 11.30am–12.30pm
Format: Online webinar
Find out how to position your business for innovation funding, work with universities and validate new ideas and solutions to help win new business.
In collaboration with: University of West London
Speaker: Peter Varga
Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
Time: 1pm–2pm
Format: Online webinar
Explore practical ways to use AI in your business, from tools such as ChatGPT to the growing potential of agentic AI.
In collaboration with: University of West London
Speaker: David Fry
Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 1pm–2pm
Format: Online webinar
Get a practical introduction to intellectual property and learn how to identify and protect your business ideas, innovations and brand.
