Meet local suppliers.
Discover new products and services.
In the most time-efficient way.
Manchester Airport Meet the Buyers gives medium and large companies a unique opportunity to connect with local suppliers, all pre-matched to their purchasing requirements.
We arrange up to 35 meetings for your procurement team, in one place, making this the most time-effective way to make quality contacts and discover new suppliers from the local supply chain.
Buyer stands are free of charge.
Buyers in 2024
Take a look at our previous sold-out event:
HOW IT WORKS
Local
1. We invite buyers operating locally to attend
Requirements
2. You provide your purchasing requirements
Search
3. We find suppliers relevant to you
Invite
4. We invite suppliers to attend
Meet
5. We schedule meetings with matching suppliers
CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS IT?
Save Time
Meet up to 35 high quality suppliers matched to your needs in just one day.
Save Money
Drive out cost and risk in your supply chain by discovering innovative local suppliers.
Stay Connected
Meet and share ideas with procurement professionals looking to develop their supply chain.
Enhance your company's CSR and meet section 106 criteria by sourcing from local suppliers.
Get Ahead
Learn about upcoming contracts and projects in the area.
Support Economy
-
Who can attend?The event is open to SME companies in the local area.
-
How do I know if the buyers want what I supply?When our buyers confirm attendance they complete a 'Purchasing Requirement Form'. This form contains both their general areas of interest, and specific details about procurement needs in the upcoming six to eighteen months. From these forms, we compile a "Buyers' Catalogue" containing all their requirements, listed by buyer. Then, select up to ten in priority order with whom you would like to meet.
-
How are my meetings allocated?When we receive your meeting requests they are entered into a computer system. You are issued appointments based on your compatibility with the buyers' requirements and the order in which you requested them. After this point we manually edit the lists, to ensure everyone receives the maximum number of relevant appointments. We recommend that you read the catalogue thoroughly and pick buyers who require your products/services, as our matching process will allocate your meetings based on these requirements.
-
How many meetings can I have?We endeavour to schedule as many meetings as possible, but on average we expect to organise four meetings for each supplier.
-
How long are the meetings?Your meetings will last 10 minutes each. You will be surprised at how easily this can be enough time to get that vital first introduction, stimulate interest in your product or service, and agree upon a course of action.
-
When will I receive my appointment calendar?To give you the opportunity to edit your appointment request list in case of last-minute buyer sign-ups, we issue appointment schedules a week in advance of the event.
-
Can I bring a colleague?If you would like to bring a colleague you will need to register them and pay for their place
-
How many buyers will be there on the day?We aim to have at least 25 buyers on the day
-
Can I bring my products to show the buyers?Yes, as long as you can easily move them from booth to booth and carry them around with you during the day.
-
Are refreshments included?A buffet lunch is provided, and tea, coffee and water are free-flowing throughout the day. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies.
-
When should I arrive?We ask that all attendees arrive at least 20 minutes before their first appointment so they can register, settle in, and familiarise themselves with the layout. Additional appointments may be available on the day, so arriving early also allows you to book for last-minute meetings.
-
Where can I park?There is free on site parking at the venue, you will be sent full information a week before the event
-
What is the definition of an SME?An SME is defined as having less than 250 employees and or an annual turnover of less than 45 Million Euros. An SME cannot be more than 25% owned by a company outside these parameters