UKREiiF 2025: Social value is evolving. Here’s why SMEs and VCSEs are central to the shift
As SME Strategy Manager at AECOM, I spend a lot of time working at the intersection of major infrastructure delivery. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary and community social enterprises (VCSEs) help make it all possible. This year’s UK’s Real Estate investment and infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) was a powerful reminder of just how much that intersection matters, and how fast it’s evolving.
There’s a noticeable shift happening in the way the public sector approaches social value. It’s not just about measuring outputs or meeting procurement criteria anymore. It’s about embedding social impact into the heart of every project, and recognising the vital role SMEs and VCSEs play in making that happen.
At AECOM, we’re proud to support this change. Through our Sustainable Legacies strategy, our work with public sector frameworks, and direct partnerships with local enterprises and community-led organisations, we’re helping clients turn ambitions into action. And the conversations at UKREiiF confirmed what we are experiencing: this shift is only accelerating.
Social value: no longer a tick-box
At UKREiiF, social value wasn’t a side conversation – it was centre stage. From panels on inclusive growth and procurement reform to deep dives on place-based development, the message was clear: social value is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a core measure of success in public infrastructure.
AECOM’s panel discussion, ‘Collaboration for Growth and Social Impact’, highlighted the need to align social value outcomes with local priorities. But this wasn’t just our voice. Across UKREiiF organisations such as local councils, health trusts, and combined authorities reinforced the importance of early engagement, joined-up planning, and long-term thinking.
It’s a message that resonates with how we work – embedding social value from the very beginning of a project, not retrofitting it later.
SMEs and VCSEs: from supply chain to strategic partner
One of the most energising parts of UKREiiF for me was the growing recognition of SMEs and VCSEs as not just part of the supply chain, but as co-creators of impact.
At AECOM, we’ve seen this first-hand on projects such as the Northumberland Line, where we’ve worked with regional SMEs to deliver outcomes that extend far beyond the build. AECOM awarded over £1.5 million of SME spend on the Northumberland Line, supporting small businesses and social enterprises, creating new jobs in the area, and delivering skills-based social value aligned to regional needs.
The public sector is increasingly aware that to unlock this kind of value at scale, we need inclusive supply chains – ones that proactively engage SMEs and VCSEs and empower them to contribute meaningfully, not just fill subcontracting roles.
Building skills, building futures
Another standout theme from UKREiiF was the focus on skills and inclusive employment – not just as a workforce issue, but as a core pillar of social value.
One highlight was hearing from Morgan Godden, a Graduate Environmental Consultant at AECOM, who spoke on our panel about her journey from the ESG Launchpad – a joint initiative between AECOM and VCSE The Land Collective – into her current role. Morgan’s story shows what’s possible when we invest in the next generation, especially young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
This kind of work doesn’t just shape individual futures, it builds long-term sector resilience, and SMEs and VCSEs have a vital role to play here, offering placements, apprenticeships, community outreach, or mentoring as part of their social value contribution.
Looking ahead
UKREiiF 2025 made one thing clear: we’re entering a new era for social value. It’s more embedded, more strategic, and more impactful – and SMEs and VCSEs are absolutely central to delivering it.
At AECOM, we’re committed to building inclusive, purpose-driven partnerships that leave a positive legacy. That means creating space for SMEs and VCSEs to thrive. To learn more about how we partner with SMEs visit
