Businesses from all over Norfolk made their way to be at this important supply chain event,Meet the Buyer on Thursday 19th March 2015. The event was supported by Norfolk County Council, Archant, Norse, Empresa and Suffolk Chamber.
In a vibrant environment 200+ suppliers gathered to join the Norfolk Chamber at the Norwich City Football Club ready to pitch to key buyers of the region. Suppliers were matched with buyers requirements using Norfolk Chamber’s bespoke software system, allowing them to pre-book appointments and have time to do their research. Suppliers had a unique opportunity to pitch their products and services in 10 minute appointments.
The event was officially opened by Colleen Walker, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Norfolk County Council.Buyers werebusy with their appointments as even more bookings were made on the day and suppliers had a chance to also exchange businesses cards with buyers they hadn’t had appointments with.
Ruth Bullard from Flegg Education Academy Trust commented “an invaluable opportunity to meet with a range of companies that I might want to work with in the future. I have learned about products and services that I didn’t know existed and I will want to use.”
Judy Randon from Shopper Anonymous Norfolk & Suffolk said “this was my first Meet the Buyer Event and I was impressed with the organisation by Norfolk Chamber. It gave me the opportunity to meet face to face with a number of people I would otherwise not have had the opportunity of doing. I now have a number of new contacts and some great opportunities which I am hopeful will turn into business – many thanks!”
Michelle Dunger from Hales Group feedback was “a fabulous event, organised and seamless in detail. Quality networking, being able to meet the ‘real’ people who make the decisions. I will certainly be back next year.”
While not at appointments suppliers had a chance to make a great selection of contacts as they were able to visit the business support exhibition, attend expert led workshops and network over lunch.
Workshops were run throughout the day, with Gavin Drake, the managing director of Mindspan Global Limited presenting on ‘Psychology of Sales Succes; Al Collier, the head of procurement from Norfolk County Council who delivered tips on ‘How to sell to Local Authorities’; and Craig Thompson, account manager from Achilles who has given a very interesting insight on ‘How to sell to the Energy Industry’.
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Supplier were tweeting throughout the day
