Big deal for local business at Meet the Buyers

Local businesses have once again had the opportunity to connect with some of the region's biggest companies thanks to Stansted Airport's Meet the Buyers.

200 companies attended the event on Thursday, Nov 16, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, ranging from start-ups to large companies seeking contracts with big name buyers such as J Murphy & Sons, LPL Construction, VolkerFitzpatrick, Kier and MAG.

Over the course of the day, a range of workshops and presentations took place, including an update on the airport's terminal extension plans by Chris Turton, the airport's Transformation Delivery Director, and a talk from Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMI, about how to attract, nurture and empower top talent.

The event was opened by Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex Council, Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMI and Marlon Osbourne, London Stansted’s Security Change Director.

Marcella M’Rabety, Group Head of Education, Skills and Employment at MAG, said:

“Meet the Buyers is so important to the airport and the local business community. It is an excellent example of how Stansted can support local companies by providing a platform for them to meet a wide range of businesses and showcase what they have to offer. There are exciting times ahead for the airport and as our terminal extension plans progress, we look forward to continuing our proud partnerships with local businesses to maximize and spread our economic benefits.”

Several trade stands also provided networking opportunities for the companies and organisations attending the event. Among them was Ann Scott, Essex Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, who said:

“There are 5.5 million SME's employing 16 million people in the UK, so events like Meet the Buyers provide them with an excellent opportunity to connect with big companies who might need their goods and services. The popularity of these events is soaring again because they allow you to meet new people face to face, exchange business cards, and have a proper chat. It’s also a great chance for the FSB to meet up with small businesses from the area who may need some extra support.”

More than £30 million in business has been generated by the event since 2011, which is organised by London Stansted and co-run by Marketing Kinetics and UMi.

Buyers attending this year's Meet the Buyers included: ABM Aviation Ltd, Allied Infrastructure, AmcoGiffen, BAM Construction, Chelmsford City Council, Dalkia EDF Group, Essex County Council, Essex Procurement Partnership, Fado, HSS Hire, J Murphy & Sons Ltd, J Murphy & Sons Ltd (Cambridge South Project), Kier Group, Levertech, London Stansted Airport - Business Services, London Stansted Airport - Capital Works , LPL Construction Services, Mace Construct Ltd, Morgan Sindall, University of Essex, Volker Fitzpatrick, Galliford Try Asset Intelligence.

Exhibitors: Stansted Airport Chamber of Commerce, A-Safe, Uttlesford District Council, FSB, WPA Healthcare Practice plc, HR GO Recruitment, Eurofins Forensic Services, John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel), Strident, Hampton by Hilton.

Sponsors: A-Safe, Uttlesford District Council, HR Go Recruitment, Eurofins Forensic Services.