Scottish Government and Business Gateway announced as key partners for Supplier Development Programme’s “Meet The Buyer 2016”

Scotland’s largest free procurement event makes a welcome return for 2016. Buyers and suppliers from across the Scottish public sector will meet in Edinburgh this summer for the 8^th annual “Meet The Buyer” event hosted by the Supplier Development Programme.

Bringing together buyers from local Councils, NHS, universities and colleges, transport and more, the event offers businesses the rare opportunity to speak directly to purchasers and decision-makers from a range of industries. This year’s event will be supported by key partners Business Gateway and the Scottish Government.

Gillian Cameron of the Supplier Development Programme said, “We are delighted that the Scottish Government and Business Gateway have joined us for the 8^th year of our event. 2016 brings with it some of the biggest changes in public procurement that we have seen in Scotland, and it’s an exciting time for SME’s in particular to think about entering the marketplace. This event will give newcomers and seasoned bidders alike the tools and contacts to help them win more public sector contracts”

As well as a unique networking opportunity, Meet The Buyer 2016 will feature presentations and seminars from key buyers and industry experts, including information on the upcoming changes in procurement legislation. This is an invaluable way to make contacts and find out more about supplying goods and services in this £10billion marketplace.

Hugh Lightbody, Lead Officer at the Business Gateway National Unit, also added: “Business Gateway supports thousands of SMEs every year in all parts of Scotland by helping them grow and, as a result, add to the local and national economies. Business opportunities from the public sector for Scotland’s SMEs have now increased as a result of recent changes to public procurement so now is an ideal time to meet buyers from many sectors and to learn more about tendering for contracts. We are delighted to be involved in this year’s event and urge SMEs to attend.”

The event will run from 10am- 4pm on Thursday 2^nd June in BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. For more information and to book visit www.sdpscotland.co.uk/events or contact 01698 453 734