BHP’s C-Res program is making a big difference for small businesses in Newman and beyond.
C-Res connects Australia’s smallest locally owned firms with Australia’s biggest business, BHP, through its Local Buying Program.
C-Res is a cost-neutral organisation which has operated successfully in Queensland since 2012. It expanded to BHP’s WA operations in 2017.
The program recognises that it can often be challenging for smaller businesses to engage as a supplier of BHP, and makes it simpler and easier for them to competitively bid for supply opportunities. The program provides reduced payment terms and the businesses receive direct support from C-Res business engagement advisers and the program administration team.
The Local Buying Program generated $2.9 million for the Newman area for the first three months of this year, with 114 local suppliers registered.
Andrew Teasdale, business manager of Oasis Accommodation, is an enthusiastic supporter of the program. He says it has made a big difference to his motel-style accommodation operation and enabled it to bid successfully for several good size BHP contracts.
“Having an 18-day invoice period for payments makes a massive difference to small businesses like us,” Andrew said.
He said the program had given his firm the confidence to reinvest, which it was doing now with a new 250sqm alfresco area, swimming pool and upgraded dining room.
Businesses with fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees with a significant physical presence near one of BHP’s Minerals Australia core assets are encouraged to register for the program.
