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Local SMEs at the Heart of Le Havre Metropole's First City Dialogue

The Le Havre Seine Métropole urban community will hold its first Gleam NSR City Dialogue during an afternoon dedicated to urban logistics, as part of the Interlud+ initiative.

Date: 03/10/2025 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Location: Carre Des Docks, Le Havre Normandy
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While the main focus will be the signing of a partnership charter for sustainable urban logistics and the launch of initial actions, the dialogue will also open the floor to local businesses, artisans, and professional organizations to share their operational challenges and discuss solutions for the future.

A diagnostic study conducted in 2023 revealed that SMEs generate 73% of freight movements within Le Havre Seine Métropole. A large share of these flows comes from crafts and small retail sectors.

For this reason, the dialogue will focus on SMEs and tradespeople in the construction and maintenance sectors (electricians, painters, roofers, carpenters, etc.) as well as service providers for individuals and businesses (cleaning, maintenance, office supplies, catering, etc.). These professionals often manage urgent or planned operations and face a range of logistical difficulties in their daily work.

Through a participatory workshop format, the dialogue aims to:

  • Understand the day-to-day operational challenges faced by SMEs and artisans;
  • Identify barriers in urban logistics such as parking, access, traffic circulation, or costs—activities that are often time- and energy-consuming yet not highly profitable;
  • Explore solutions for a more sustainable and efficient logistics system, drawing inspiration from initiatives such as the Marguerite program;
  • Define the role of local authorities (municipalities and the urban community) in supporting this transition;
  • Co-develop concrete actions with local stakeholders, aligned with the 10 urban logistics actions outlined in the Charter.

Le Havre Seine Métropole invites professional organizations and motivated local businesses to take part in this first dialogue.

Full program and registration: HERE