Business buying surgeries reach record high

The 2010 Meet the Buyers event has been heralded a huge success by delegates and organisers alike. Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA) joined forces to host Suffolk’s second event at Endeavour House last month to host 750 buyer to supplier business surgeries.  

More than 150 local businesses attended the event, and feedback has been very positive.  Comments included: "Really useful - met people who can actually help us! Will come again!’, ‘Fantastic - learned a lot and make several good contacts’ and ‘Great access to procurement people, great way of promoting my business - definitely an A*!"

The event was organised as part of the Council’s efforts to help stimulate business- to-business trade in Suffolk, and boost the local economy and to keep the pound local.  More than 80% of the County Council’s suppliers are small businesses.

70 buyers from 30 organisations (including many of Suffolk’s local authorities and their major suppliers, together with others such as Suffolk Constabulary, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, University Campus Suffolk, and the U.S. Air Force) were on hand to meet potential new suppliers.  Economic Development and other business advisors were also on hand during the evening to offer a full range of advice and support.  

Council Leader Jeremy Pembroke opened the event with a welcoming address. He said: “This is a great opportunity for everyone at this event to get ahead in business - you have the chance to learn and share more about regional procurement processes in all sectors and to showcase the best of Suffolk’s products and services. This event is so important to help drive Suffolk’s economy forward.”

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber, added: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Meet the Buyer event, and even though it’s only in its second year - it’s growing each time, which indicates the eagerness and commitment of both the public and private to sectors to work together to strengthen the local economy.”

Kim Brown, Chair of ISSBA, agreed: “Following on the success of this year’s Meet the Buyer, it is hoped that we can built upon this event and enable even more buyers and sellers to meet and establish procurement links, which will benefit the whole of Suffolk. “

To keep up to date with new business opportunities, businesses can register for free on Suffolk’s online trading platform at www.suffolkb2b.co.uk , which Suffolk Chamber has established in partnership with Suffolk County Council.