Small firms can offer real benefits to Waltham Forest as a client, some of which are outlined below:

• We can often respond quickly and flexibly to council needs
• We can be a source of innovation, ideas and products
• We can offer cash savings, improved quality, service and effectiveness
• We are close at hand
• The Leytonstone Business Forum CIC is operating in the third sector and has experienced dealing with voluntary and community sectors . We have  better access to hard to reach customer groups
• We attach more importance to doing business with Waltham Forest
• Doing business with Waltham Forest will increase our credibility making it easier for us to do business with other public and private sector clients, most notably Whipps Cross Hospital

Small businesses have traditionally been excluded from tendering for larger contracts, within Waltham Forest; however, the Leytonstone Business Consortium aims to change that. The SME Concordat states that local authorities need to consider the role of local BAME specialist suppliers in delivering elements of larger contracts and processing framework agreements.

By dealing with the E11 Consortium we aim to showcase the diversity of smaller businesses as one larger entity. We have managed to condense our industries under a lead partner status in order to compete for most contracts. The traditional weaknesses associated with trading with SME are dispelled;

• Understanding of Government contracts.
• Networking with the local business community.
• Liaising with smaller firms who are often tedious and time consuming as sub contractors.
• Showcasing products comes under one marketing strategy.