Local businesses aiming for work with East Midlands Airport hail event’s success
An event to give local businesses the chance to enter the lucrative supply chains connected to East Midlands Airport has been hailed a success.
The Meet the Buyer event, staged yesterday (May 21) at the Radisson Blu Hotel at the airport, attracted 124 suppliers who were given access to 23 buyers, through more than 650 face-to-face appointments.
As a significant driver of jobs and growth in the region, the airport represents a huge opportunity for a wide range of businesses, and the event provides a rare opportunity to make connections and strike deals. It comes as the airport grows its cargo operation, invests in its passenger and airfield facilities and seeks to grow its flight network. After the event, a number of suppliers gave positive feedback, with Rob Salt, of Prismo Global, summing it up: “All these buyers and knowledge in one room is like a dream. It's like one year's worth of work in one day.
Nick Adams, of Tommicks Ltd, said: “Today has given us the opportunity to speak directly to various companies of interest which is not normally possible when sending cold emails across, usually resulting in no response. I made some good contacts and info on how to become a supplier to companies outside of our primary industry.”
Joanne McBean, of Creative Triangle, said: “It has been a great event to meet and engage with some brilliant conversations with Tier 1 suppliers that we have wanted to talk to for ages.”
Nathaniel Grant, of HSS Proservice, said: “These events are great to get to meet with the buyers, but even to connect with fellow suppliers is worthwhile as we've managed to meet a company that we will work with in the future.”
James Hatton, of Insigns, said: “Really enjoyed the Meet The Buyer event, the conversations felt genuine and it was great having direct access to the buyers in a relaxed setting. A worthwhile experience, with some really useful meetings and opportunities that you just wouldn’t get through emails or cold calls.”
Buyers also praised the event.
Mike O'Connor, of Bethell, said: “Nice and relaxed event. Very informative conversations and we've really been able to take the time and engage with the suppliers.”
Lewis Howie, of AIS, said: “Really good event. The suppliers have been a good variation and very relevant. Best Meet the Buyers we have been part of as far as the suppliers go.”
Julie Oakley, of De Montfort University, said: "It has been useful to see and talk to a wide range of suppliers from our local areas that have the capability to add value to our institution."
Marcella M’Rabety, Group Head of Social Sustainability at MAG, said: “We’re pleased that the Meet the Buyers event has been another success, bringing together major buyers in our supply chains to connect with the relevant businesses in the areas we serve.
“It provides the introduction for meaningful business relationships and boosts the benefit of our airports to local economies.”