The Open Doors Programme: 365 days of SME acceleration

ODP began after I asked Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK, a question while he was on a panel. As someone with a couple of F&B start-ups under my belt, I’d seen the potential of the foodservice channel and major distributors, but also the challenges smaller suppliers faced. My question was: ‘How do we collectively create a better system to support such a vital part of our industry?’

To his credit, Andrew followed up after the event, saying, ‘We should talk about that.’ From that brief conversation, ODP was born.

As an industry first, year one has been a test-and-learn experience. Being a people-centric business, I had to engage a large internal audience while offering customers access to the most exciting SMEs.

Despite different audiences, two themes have consistently driven success:

Storytelling matters. What sets small suppliers apart is often the story behind them—it helps build deeper connections. If someone like Cathy, founder of Boundless, gets the chance to share her journey into gut health, the room is instantly engaged.

‘Better’ leads the way. Whether it's sustainability from suppliers like OGGS, Wildfarmed and Leghorn, or health from Boundless, Jim Jams and Bio&Me, ODP has championed progressive suppliers. They need a different approach—and more time. With patience, better products thrive.

As we head into year two, our commitment is stronger than ever. What started as a simple question is delivering tangible results and together, we’re building a positive force for change in our industry.

Want to know more about the Open Doors Programme? Please visit: bidfood.co.uk/about-us/open-doors