Establishing long-term and sustainable partnerships with social enterprises (SEs) brings benefits not only in terms of reliable supply, but also in supporting the local community, disadvantaged people and sustainable goals.
The first step is to get to know your chosen SE better - a personal visit or meeting will help you understand their operations, capabilities and benefits to society. Then, open communication about expectations, contract terms and conditions and opportunities to tailor products/services to the customer's needs is key.
When entering into a contract, it is important to address delivery dates, the possibility of long-term cooperation and payment terms. SEs often appreciate advance or faster payments to help them finance operations. The customer should also consider the sustainability of the contract, e.g. an inflation clause for long-term contracts.
Feedback is an important part of the cooperation - not only when problems arise, but also in case of a positive experience that can be further promoted. Sharing good practice in the media or in professional forums both supports SE and inspires other institutions to buy responsibly.
However, SEs can also contribute in other ways than just as suppliers. They can be involved in the development of strategic documents, represent specific groups of citizens or use municipal spaces for their educational and community activities. Such cooperation strengthens long-term partnerships and contributes to sustainable development.