Meet the Buyer event to connect SMEs with public sector buyers and private sector contractors

The upcoming ‘Meet the Buyer’ event, hosted by London City Airport in partnership with UMi, will bring together key players in the public and private sector and offer businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and secure new partnerships.

Building on the successes of previous events, the 2024 event at London ExCeL is set to continue this momentum, generating positive economic activity within the region. With over £10M in business generated since 2018, the event is looking to create even greater opportunities for local firms to connect with high-value buyers and secure major contracts.

Suppliers can expect opportunities to connect directly with major buyers seeking products and services from east London SMEs. This event removes the need for cold calls, offering pre-qualified sales leads and the opportunity to conduct a week's worth of sales meetings in just one day.

Buyers attending the event can take advantage of connecting with relevant suppliers, helping to streamline their supply chains and reduce costs by working locally. This event also offers the opportunity to support the local economy and enhance sustainability within the supply chain.

Suzanne McCreedy, Chief Commercial Officer, UMi, said: "Building on the success of previous Meet the Buyer events, 2024 promises to be a landmark opportunity for SMEs across East London. Having worked in partnership with London City Airport on a number of these events, UMi is expertly placed to facilitate this unique platform where over 150 local suppliers will have the chance to connect with procurement teams from more major buyers.

“As a business that strongly believes we can achieve more together than we can apart, we are thrilled to be working in partnership with an organisation that shares this sentiment. London City Airport continues to demonstrate their commitment to the local community by creating opportunities for SMEs to connect and grow.

“The 2024 event at London ExCeL is set to further drive positive economic activity in the region. We are committed to helping to facilitate these crucial connections and help local SMEs showcase their products, secure significant contracts and achieve new success.”

Wilma Allan, Chief Financial Officer at London City Airport, said:“We are very excited to host our fifth Meet the Buyer event, which has generated over £10m worth of business for local SMEs since we launched it in 2018.

“I look forward to seeing a wide range of both new and returning businesses to this year’s event, which we hope will help to give a boost to SMEs in our local area”.

Buyers confirmed for 2024 include Airport Integrated Services, Ameresco, Buxtons Property Management, Canary Riverside, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, ExCel London, fado, Good Hotel London, GSF Cleaning, and Higgins Partnerships.

For more information and to register for the East London event please visit; https://www.eastlondonmtb.com/