Plymouth traders can gain business by meeting the local buyer

Traders in Plymouth are being invited to an event which offers them the exciting opportunity to meet the buyers of some of the city’s largest employers.

Babcock International Group PLC, Princess Yachts, Balfour Beatty, Kier, Plymouth City Council, University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth are among some of the confirmed organisations that are eager to speak with business owners on the day.

Seminars will also run throughout the day to help give an insight into the way these businesses purchase goods and services and how business can win potential contracts.

Local suppliers will also get a chance to find out how to register on Sell2Plymouth, a specialist web-site giving them a chance to find out about and bid for forthcoming tenders and opportunities.

Organised by the Plymouth Procurement Forum, the event is being held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Thursday 14 November from 10am to 3pm.

The forum helps open up opportunities for local businesses to maximise growth in the local economy. Their members include the Federation of Small Business, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community Homes, Plymouth University, Plymouth College and The University College of St. Mark and St. John (Marjon).

Local suppliers have already seen an increase in over £50 million being spent on their goods and services in the last year and this is expected to increase over the coming months and years.

Businesses will also be able to network amongst other local suppliers in the city, making useful contacts and potentially trading amongst themselves.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance at Plymouth City Council said: “Plymouth City Council has been actively opening up more and more opportunities for local businesses. Through the Plymouth Procurement Forum we are asking business owners that are looking for more contracts to meet with us. It’s not often you can meet this number of large city employers in one place at one time – this is an excellent opportunity, not to be missed."

Steve Scott, Project Manager, Plymouth Procurement Forum and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Director added: “We’re delighted that some of Plymouth’s largest private sector employers and purchasers are taking part in the event this year. Working with the Forum and Sell2Plymouth has already seen public sector organisations in the city spend over £50 million with local suppliers. We now hope to do the same with the private sector helping to boost the local economy, create local jobs and give buyers access to the best of local suppliers and services.”

For more information about this event, and for a full list of exhibitors, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/buylocal or email buylocal@plymouth.gov.uk.