Supply‑chain disruptions have become a defining challenge of 2025, from weather events and cyber‑attacks to tariff shifts and geopolitical tensions. In the UK, the ripple effects of such shocks are felt most deeply by small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) that supply diverse ingredients and packaging materials for familiar dishes. A recent study from Cranfield University exemplifies how an in‑depth analysis of a chicken tikka masala ready‑meal can uncover the hidden vulnerabilities and opportunities that shape resilience for SMEs.
Overview of the Case Study
Researchers examined a ready‑meal version of chicken tikka masala produced by a UK SME. The investigation mapped a network that relied on more than 20 distinct ingredients and packaging components sourced from 36 countries. Each commodity—spices, dairy, meat, oils, and even specialised packaging—was traced back to its supplier, revealing potential weak links that could trigger cascading failures.
This snapshot exposed a multi‑tiered supply chain where a disruption at a single node could stall the entire product lifecycle. The research team used surveys, interviews, and a workshop that gathered voices from sourcing managers, logistics coordinators, and regional suppliers, creating a holistic view of resilience in practice.
Supply‑Chain Resilience: Core Pillars
The study centred on three resilience pillars, drawing on established frameworks in supply‑chain risk management:
- Robustness – designing processes to avoid disruptions in the first place.
- Recovery – implementing rapid response and restoration when issues arise.
- Reorientation – learning from incidents to adapt future operations.
Robustness in an SME Context
Robustness hinges on diversification, redundancy, and contractual security. SMEs often lack the bargaining power to negotiate favourable terms, making them vulnerable. The Cranfield team noted that suppliers from high‑risk regions—where political instability or environmental hazards are heightened—could jeopardise ingredient batches unless alternative sources were on standby.
Effective robustness steps include:
- Geographically diversified sourcing to reduce single‑source risk.
- Supplier certification audits that focus on continuity planning.
- Use of technology, such as blockchain tracing, to verify ingredient origins.
Recovery Strategies
When disruptions occur, recovery determines how quickly operations return to normal. The study highlighted that SME managers value simple, well‑documented escalation procedures and close relationships with key logistics partners.
Key recovery actions include:
- Maintaining an emergency inventory of critical high‑margin items.
- Pre‑established rapid‑response protocols with third‑party transport services.
- Regular simulation drills to test the flow of information during a crisis.
Why Reorientation Matters
Reorientation—changing business models or operational strategies after a disruption—offers the greatest long‑term benefit. However, the research found this pillar was the least prioritized among SMEs, mainly because it demands capital, time, and a culture shift that small firms rarely have.
Examples of reorientation:
- Adopting just‑in‑time inventory systems backed by advanced analytics.
- Exploring localisation of supply chains to minimise import exposure.
- Investing in in‑house production of critical ingredients.
Power Dynamics and Supplier Relationships
The study demonstrates that power imbalances often dictate who can effectively navigate disruptions. Large suppliers usually favour their biggest customers, leaving SMEs at a disadvantage when the market turns.
Consequently, SMEs that cannot negotiate lower terms or secure priority access may face extended lead times during crises. The research team calls for industry‑wide standards on equitable service levels for smaller partners.
Practical Strategies for Enhancing Resilience
1. Build Robustness: Conduct Holistic Risk Assessments
Start with a comprehensive inventory of suppliers, mapping out the geopolitical, climate, and operational risk associated with each. Use risk‑rating tools to prioritize which commodity chains need backup strategies.
2. Strengthen Recovery Capabilities: Develop a Crisis Playbook
Document every step—from incident detection to vendor re‑engagement. Include contact charts, communication templates, and decision‑making hierarchies. Test the playbook at least once a year.
3. Foster Reorientation: Allocate Incremental Resilience Budgets
Treat resilience as a capital investment rather than a cost centre. Even a small yearly budget can fund technology upgrades, supplier training, or the hiring of a dedicated risk officer.
Additionally, encourage cross‑functional forums where suppliers and customers discuss best practices, shared risks, and innovation opportunities. These forums can surface ideas for process tweaks that reduce future shock impact.
Policy Recommendations and Forward‑Looking Insights
Cranfield’s study suggests that policy interventions could help lift SMEs across the board. Proposed initiatives include:
- Government‑backed supplier diversity certifications that encourage large firms to integrate SMEs.
- Subsidised training programs focused on supply‑chain analytics for small businesses.
- Incentive schemes for localising high‑risk ingredients in the UK, reducing import exposure.
By creating an ecosystem that values resilience—not just efficiency—UK supply chains can better withstand the shocks of tomorrow.
Conclusion
The granular lens applied to a chicken tikka masala ready‑meal reveals broader truths about resilience in UK supply chains. While robustness and recovery remain critical, reorientation emerges as the most transformative action, albeit the hardest to attain without proper resources.
SMEs that adopt a structured resilience framework, backed by supportive policy and industry collaboration, can secure their shelves, protect consumer trust, and drive sustainable growth.
Read the full Cranfield University study for a deep dive into methodology and data. If you manage an SME and want to assess your own supply‑chain resilience, schedule a complimentary consultation today with a supply‑chain expert.
To learn how other UK firms are preparing for future disruptions, visit our series on supply‑chain resilience in the food sector and download the latest white paper.
Have questions about improving your supply‑chain resilience? Write to us at [email protected] or explore related articles on our website.
