On Wednesday 1 March, the Sandwell Business Growth Team hosted a fully booked ‘Meet the Buyer’ event at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. The aim was to connect Black Country businesses with buyers to form new connections and get them working more closely together.

The full-day event was organised by Sandwell Council, in partnership with Constructing West Midlands and the other Black Country local authorities: Dudley, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton councils.

The morning presentation topics ranged from social value delivery to updates on the Sandwell Regeneration Pipeline. Attendees reported later that they appreciated the diversity of perspectives and expertise.

“Excellent team from Sandwell, Brilliant presentations , well delivered and the tone was just right. Social value was of great interest in particular. Side and scope of developments within Sandwell generally very exciting”

During the day, thirteen Midlands-based businesses had the chance to showcase their products and services to potential buyers on exhibition stands around the room.

Following the presentations, attendees were treated to a three-hour networking session where buyers, contractors, and exhibitors could meet and form connections. The relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere was enhanced by breakfast and lunch, allowing attendees to socialise with one another in a casual setting.

“We were well looked after all day and the presentations were interesting and informative. The choice of speakers was excellent. After a beautiful lunch, we went up to the first floor to meet the Tier 1 buyers. Again this was excellent with representation from all CWM [Constructing West Midlands] lot holders. We had good meetings with all and lots to follow up on when we returned to the office. Best event in the last few years for me” – post-event feedback from an attendee.

During this time, bid-writing expert Andrea Childs from Klick Business Solutions delivered an informative presentation on ‘Demystifying the tendering process’, offering many tips for putting in the strongest possible tender response.

We think the positive feedback from attendees highlights the value of such events in helping local businesses grow and connect with buyers who are often difficult to reach.

“One of the best”

Buyers and exhibitors alike praised the event’s format and management, with one attendee stating that it was “one of the best Meet the buyers events we have attended.” Another was impressed with the diversity of suppliers on offer, stating that they “were able to meet so many key buyers in one place in a short space of time.”

Many local businesses found the event to be highly beneficial, and we hope it will lead to new growth opportunities and long-term business relationships.

Overall, we feel the Sandwell Business Growth Team’s Meet the Buyer event was a big success, creating new opportunities for local businesses to connect with buyers and hear about the opportunities available to them.

 We are working on a new website for Think Sandwell which will be called Sandwell Business Growth. Look out for more events from us soon and follow our Twitter account @thinkSandwell for the latest.