Falkirk businesses invited to explore new contract opportunities at buyer event
Businesses from across the Falkirk area are being invited to meet Falkirk Council teams, major employers and procurement specialists at a free event designed to help them explore future contract and supply chain opportunities.
The Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event will take place at Forth Valley College Falkirk on Thursday 17 September from 09:30 to 13:00, bringing together organisations from across the public and private sectors looking to connect with local suppliers.
Falkirk Council teams attending the event will include Corporate Procurement, Organisational Development, Works Contracts and Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership representatives. They will be available to discuss current and future opportunities and help businesses better understand how to engage with the procurement process.
Supporting local businesses remains a key priority for Falkirk Council. In the last financial year, the Council spent more than £115million with suppliers based within the Falkirk Council area, of which £81.6million was paid to local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).
Falkirk Council procurement activity continues to support local businesses, jobs and economic activity across the area. Events such as the Forth Valley Meet the Buyer helps businesses understand how they can access future opportunities across both the public and private sectors.
Businesses will also have the chance to meet a wide range of organisations seeking suppliers, including NHS Forth Valley, Balfour Beatty, Persimmon Homes, Robertson, Kier Construction, Scotland Excel and Forth Valley College. In total, 24 exhibitors have already signed up for the event.
Opportunities can range from works and infrastructure projects to everyday goods and services, with buyers seeking suppliers across a broad range of sectors. Businesses attending will be able to discuss opportunities directly with organisations looking for suppliers and learn more about future contract and framework opportunities.
Feedback from last year's event demonstrated its value to businesses. Held in Alloa, the event attracted 250 attendees, including 129 Scottish SME businesses. Eighty per cent of respondents said they were more likely to bid for contracts after attending, while 79% said they felt more capable of bidding for contracts as a result of taking part. Overall, 95% said they would attend again.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council's spokesperson for Economic Development, said:
Businesses of all sizes play an important role in Falkirk's economy, and events like Forth Valley Meet the Buyer can help create new opportunities for growth. Falkirk Council spent more than £115 million with local suppliers last year, demonstrating the important contribution businesses make to our communities and local economy.
"Whether you're looking to win your first contract, expand your customer base or find out more about future opportunities, this event offers a chance to meet buyers face-to-face, make new connections and gain a better understanding of how the procurement process works. I would encourage businesses from across the Falkirk area to come along and see what's on offer.
Supplier Development Programme Manager Gillian Cameron said:
After the success of last year's Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event, SDP is delighted to be returning to the region with our fellow exhibitors.
"With so many exciting contracts on the horizon, there's never been a better time to get in the room with the right people. Spaces are limited, so secure your ticket now before they're gone.
Business Gateway advisers will also be attending to provide support and guidance on tendering, bidding for contracts and accessing wider business support services.
The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required through the Supplier Development Programme at sdpscotland.co.uk.