Hundreds of businesses from across the region gathered together today (September 27) at Stansted Airport to attend the 11th annual Meet the Buyers event.
The event surpassed all expectations with over 150 delegates from 100 companies meeting 30 buyers from major organisations, ranging from infrastructure and service provider Amey, Elsenham based construction firm LPL and electricity provider UK Power Networks.
Hosting a business breakfast to kick off the day, Nick Barton, Stansted Airport's Managing Director, said: "Stansted is a key catalyst for growth and productivity in the region. We are delighted to once again host the Stansted Airport Meet the Buyers and by the tremendous response from buyers and suppliers alike. We hope that the event enables our 200 or so business partners at the airport, and the hundreds of suppliers in our community, to benefit from the airport's economic contribution and long term success."
Also attending the breakfast was Uttlesford District Council's Economic Development Officer, Simon Jackson, who said: “While the economy remains in a fragile state, there is not a better opportunity to meet quality businesses in such a short space of time.”
The quick-fire meeting concept of Meet the Buyers enables local firms to pitch their products and services to a group of carefully selected senior buyers with multi-million pound buying requirements.
Attending as a buyer was Infrastructure and service provider, Amey. Account Manager James Minifie said they were looking to engage with local suppliers."Amey subcontracts out over £1 million pounds worth of business and Meet the Buyers is a great opportunity to reassess our supply chain and harness some of products and services local suppliers may be able to bid for,” he said.
Sarah Allen from technology firm Green Duck Ltd, a supplier from Bury St Edmunds, said Meet the Buyers “is an ideal way to showcase your own brand and build effective working relationships with key decision makers from businesses in the region”.
Paula Tatchell from Bishop's Stortford based Sternwood Recruitment, was impressed by the intensive buying concept. “The event is very worthwhile in securing meetings with potential new clients, if fact I've managed to arrange further discussions with the first buyer I met today,” she said.
The event, held at the airport’s Hilton hotel, was organised by Stansted Airport and run by Business and Enterprise Group and Bishop’s Stortford based Marketing Kinetics.
