CLEP collaborates with Emma-Jayne Gooch on the Regional Supply Chain Network
By Emma-Jayne Gooch
Cumbria, nestled in England's northwest, boasts not only natural beauty but also a robust Regional Supply Chain Network critical to its economic vitality. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of Cumbria's supply chain, exploring its key components and the challenges and opportunities they present. From the industrial hub of Barrow-in-Furness to the agricultural heartlands of Penrith, each chain in this network plays a crucial role.
Emma-Jayne Gooch, CEO at Plain Purpose, speaks on being successfully appointed to assist the Regional Supply Chain Network, funded by the UK Government through the Westmorland & Furness Shared Prosperity Fund:
"I was really interested when I saw a contract opportunity for a company to work for the CLEP as a Project Manager to the Regional Supply Chain Network (RSCN) and to offer business support to 25 SME’s in the Westmorland and Furness area.
"I was delighted when I was awarded the contract. I set up Plain Purpose back in October 2022 and whilst not initially set up to offer business support and consultancy this is the direction the business has spiralled. I come from a background of Heading up Supply Chain Development and Innovation at Sellafield; where I wrote our first SME strategy and action plan, brought in a procurement platform just for SME’s, wrote and toured Sellafield’s “How to do Business” programme in addition to organising and facilitating events such as Directors Forums, SME Forums, Trade Missions etc.
"From May 2009 - April 2017 I was on the Senior Management team and latterly the Board of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC). It is here for the first 3 years of my tenure that I attended a number of events on behalf of BECBC promoting the membership and encouraging new members. Through my board position I ensured BECBC remained focussed on the wants and needs of its members and to ensure the voice of SME’s wasn’t lost.
"Through my time at Sellafield I supported 100’s of businesses helping them to understand and navigate Sellafield and it’s supply chain and in my capacity of Plain Purpose, I work as a business consultant including bid review and authoring for bids up to £500m. I work with small SME’s through to multi national organisations.
"This opportunity enables me to build my knowledge of businesses local to the Furness area and help create a thriving business network.
"Over the next 12 months I will only help 25 businesses on a 1to1 basis, so any SME from Westmorland and Furness (LA and CA postcodes) who isn’t currently benefiting from business support and is interested in the support I could offer you, please get in touch at ejg@plainpurpose.co.uk."