LUTON Airport’s first multi-million pound Meet The Buyer event since 2009 is being promoted as a huge opportunity for local businesses.
Up to 100 firms from Beds, Herts and Bucks will be given the chance to make 10 minute pitches to three out of 20 buyer companies from the airport at a Meet the Buyer event at the Knowledge Hub, Putteridge Bury, in Hitchin Road, on Thursday, October 18.
Sian Pearce, airport community relations executive at Luton Airport said: “The ‘Meet the Buyer’ event encapsulates London Luton Airport’s commitment to work closely with local business networks, the local authorities and sub-regional partners, to enhance the profile of local suppliers.
“The airport is working with its business partners across the airport site to understand their business needs, in order to deliver an event which provides opportunities to build lasting relationships and networks.
“The event will play an important role in encouraging the procurement of goods and services on a more local basis, helping local businesses and employment levels. Local companies who wish to attend the event are now able to register their interest by visiting www.londonlutonmeetthebuyer.com.”
A range of high profile organisations are involved in the Meet The Buyer event, including the University of Bedfordshire, Luton & Beds Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Herts Chamber, Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber, Luton Borough Council and Central Beds Council.
There will be a Prepare to Pitch workshop on October 10 to help short-listed bsuinesses put themselves across in the best possible way.
Cheryl Smart chief executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has been involved with Meet the Buyer for a few years now. It’s always a rewarding event which gives smaller suppliers an unrivalled opportunity to make contact with potential customers and larger companies a chance to show their commitment to the local business community. We see Meet the Buyer as a win-win situation and are delighted to continue our association with the event.”
Damian Cummins, who chairs Luton and South Beds Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We are delighted to be one of the leading partners in this great initiative. So many times small local companies struggle to get in front of the main players, yet many are in a position to offer quality products/services at very keen prices and help keep the local economy moving.”
Councillor Sian Timoney, Luton Borough Council’s economic development chief, said: “We are very grateful to the airport for delivering this event as it shows their commitment to local businesses and boosting the local economy. The event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to meet the buyers from the airport and secure contracts. It will also help buyers to see the wealth of local suppliers that could meet their needs. I would encourage all businesses to engage and register as soon as they can.”
To pre-register complete the online pre-registration details by August 28 at www.londonlutonmeetthebuyer.co.uk
If matched with a potential buyer, businesses will be invited to pay a £95 fee that will go to Sue Ryder, Luton Airport’s Charity for 2012.
Successful applicants will be notified in the week starting September 3. Those not chosen will be notified on September 14.
There are more than 100 companies at Luton Airport.