Durham Meet the Buyers gives medium and large companies a unique opportunity to connect with local suppliers, all pre-matched to their purchasing requirements.
We arrange up to 35 meetings for your procurement team, in one place, making this the most time-effective way to make quality contacts and discover new suppliers from the local supply chain.
Buyer stands are free of charge.
OUR 2024 BUYERS
HOW IT WORKS
Local
1. We invite buyers operating locally to attend
Requirements
2. You provide your purchasing requirements
Search
3. We find suppliers relevant to you
Invite
4. We invite suppliers to attend
Meet
5. We schedule meetings with matching suppliers
WHO ARE THE 'BUYERS'?
Buyers will typically be purchasing professionals or senior decision makers from businesses operating in the hospitality and visitor economy sector across the North East including, but not limited to: Hotels, Visitor Attractions, Bars, Restaurants and Leisure Facilities.
For Buyers, it is an excellent one-day opportunity to meet with 25+ potential suppliers within the local area. We make things easy for your procurement team by arranging all appointments.
CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS IT?
Save Time
Meet up to 35 high quality suppliers matched to your needs in just one day.
Save Money
Drive out cost and risk in your supply chain by discovering innovative local suppliers.
Stay Connected
Meet and share ideas with procurement professionals looking to develop their supply chain.
Enhance your company's CSR and meet section 106 criteria by sourcing from local suppliers.
Get Ahead
Learn about upcoming contracts and projects in the area.
Support Economy
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How long are the meetings?Your meetings will be between 10 minutes. You will be surprised how even 10 minutes can be enough time to meet and assess a supplier and discover various innovations and progressions, then agree a second meeting if applicable.
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Can I bring a colleague?We encourage you to do so and there is no additional charge for their catering. Meet the Buyers are intensive and promise a highly productive day where you will meet many new people - so bringing a colleague will mean less pressure on yourself.
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How much does Meet the Buyers cost for buyers?Our events are designed for purchasing professionals and offer a tailored service at no cost to yourself or your company.
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How many suppliers will I meet on the day?Usually between 30-35 depending on how specific your purchasing requirements are.
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What size/type of organisation will I meet?Please be as clear as possible on your confirmation forms about what kinds of suppliers you wish to meet – if suppliers need to be able to supply nationally, be ISO recognised etc.. please make this clear – we are as good as the purchasing requirements/needs that you give us.
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Should I bring sample products/literature to show the suppliers?Yes, this is a good idea (but not essential) as it will help focus the suppliers and give them a better idea of what they may need to produce. The table on your stand will be between 6 foot long with enough space for a pop-up banner if you wish to bring one.
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Is lunch included?Lunch and complimentary refreshments will be included.
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When should I arrive?At least 30 minutes before the start of the event – your project manager will advise you. Please ensure you can stay the whole day as suppliers have come to meet you.
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When do I find out what suppliers I will meet?You will see your appointment diary on your stand when you arrive.
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Why do I need to nominate a deputy in my place?We work very hard to ensure you have a productive day and spend money marketing to potential suppliers to come and meet you on the day. We understand that at times, situations beyond our control occur – therefore if this is the case, your deputy can attend in your place.
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Who can attend?The event is open to SME companies in the local area.
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How can I book?Click Here to Book Now.
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How much does Meet the Buyers cost for suppliers?Our events are designed for professionals and offer a tailored service at no cost to yourself or your company.
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How do I know if the buyers want what I supply?When our buyers confirm attendance they complete a 'Purchasing Requirement Form'. This form contains both their general areas of interest, and specific details about procurement needs in the upcoming six to eighteen months. From these forms, we compile a "Buyers' Catalogue" containing all their requirements, listed by buyer. Then, select up to fourteen in priority order with whom you would like to meet.
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How are my meetings allocated?When we receive your meeting requests they are entered into a computer system. You are issued appointments based on your compatibility with the buyers' requirements and the order in which you requested them. After this point we manually edit the lists, to ensure everyone receives the maximum number of relevant appointments. We recommend that you read the catalogue thoroughly and pick buyers who require your products/services, as our matching process will allocate your meetings based on these requirements. In the event that we are unable to match you for less than 4 appointments, we will offer you the opportunity to withdraw.
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How many meetings can I have?We endeavor to schedule as many meetings as possible, but on average we expect to organise four meetings for each supplier. Our matching process often exceeds this, sometimes allocating up to eight. We also have an appointment desk on the day and suppliers are welcome to enquire which buyers have availability and book further appointments.
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How long are the meetings?Your meetings will last 10 minutes each. You will be surprised at how easily this can be enough time to get that vital first introduction, stimulate interest in your product or service, and agree upon a course of action.
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When will I receive my appointment calendar?To give you the opportunity to edit your appointment request list in case of last-minute buyer sign-ups, we issue appointment schedules the week before the event.
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Can I bring a colleague?You are welcome to register two delegates for the Meet the Buyer event but do let us know who will be the lead name to receive the appointments.
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How many buyers will be there on the day?We expect there to be 20 buyers in attendance.
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Can I bring my products to show the buyers?Yes, as long as you can easily move them from table to table and carry them around with you during the day.
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Are refreshments included?A buffet lunch is provided, and tea, coffee and water are free-flowing throughout the day. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies.
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When should I arrive?We ask that all attendees arrive at least 20 minutes before their first appointment so they can register, settle in, and familiarise themselves with the layout. Additional appointments may be available on the day, so arriving early also allows you to book for last-minute meetings.
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Where can I park?There is parking at the venue, follow the signs on site.
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What is the definition of an SME?An SME is defined as having less than 250 employees and or an annual turnover of less than 45 Million Euros. An SME cannot be more than 25% owned by a company outside these parameters