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Ayrshire Meet the Buyer Announced

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The Supplier Development Programme is set to host a pan-Ayrshire Meet the Buyer on 28 April as a Virtual event. The virtual Ayrshire Meet the Buyer will bring together buyers from East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils to connect with suppliers and talk about upcoming contract opportunities. The theme of the event is "Community Wealth Building."

All three Councils will have several different stands to make sure suppliers get to speak to exactly who they want to speak to; for example, high value contracts, Quick Quotes and low value contracts, construction project, business support, and more. In addition to the Councils, more than 10 other public and private sector organisations have registered to exhibit at this year's Ayrshire Meet the Buyer event.

Agenda

The agenda runs from 9:30am to 2:30pm. The day will start with an opening message from the Chief Executives of all three councils, which will set the scene and give suppliers an overview of how procurement is integral to economic development, as well as current and upcoming projects like the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

The formal agenda also includes a presentation on how to be invited to Quick Quotes with all three Ayrshire Council procurement staff, where suppliers will be able to ask questions in a live question and answer session.

South Kyle Wind Farm

If you are interested in understanding how your business - whatever your sector - can potentially engage with the South Kyle Wind Farm, a joint presentation from Vattenfall UK and RJ McLeod is your opportunity to learn more!

Energy giant Vattenfall UK will be joining Scottish primary contracting civil engineering firm RJ McLeod to talk about opportunities related to the renewables project at South Kyle Wind Farm.

A common refrain that SDP often hears from suppliers is, "We don't work in that sector." However, there are several opportunities to engage outwith civil engineering - all of which contribute to community wealth building outcomes!

RJ McLeod is interested in maximising opportunities for micro and small businesses - particularly supported businesses and third sector - in Ayrshire, from local food and drink and cleaning businesses right through to civil contractors, portable cabin manufacturers and crane operators. Other examples of the types of local businesses RJ McLeod is looking to speak to include garages for vehicle services and MOTs, electricians, plumbers, mobile blacksmiths, agricultural suppliers, timber mills, builder merchants, specialist equipment hire, tool suppliers, straw suppliers, accommodation including B&Bs, plant hire and more!

Suppliers will be able to visit Vattenfall UK and RJ McLeod in the virtual exhibition area during the full event to introduce your business offerings and learn more about how to work within the supply chain for South Kyle Wind Farm.

Virtual Exhibitions

Aside from the main agenda, suppliers will have the opportunity to virtually visit exhibition stands, download information, flyers and leaflets, and more to read while you are waiting in a queue to speak directly on a one-to-one basis with buyers via in-built video conferencing. The exhibitions will be open until the close of the event, with dedicated breaks within the main agenda to make sure everyone has enough time to speak to all the buyers in the virtual exhibition arena.

Supplier Development Programme

SDP will also offer a presentation and have a virtual exhibition to support you in helping your business get 'tender ready' - with hints and tips on tendering and bid writing.

All Scottish SMEs and supported businesses are welcome at this event, however, it will be of particular interest to suppliers based in Ayrshire and the surrounding area. If you are interested in attending Ayrshire Meet the Buyer, book your place as early as possible and learn how to prepare on the SDP website! You can also preview the online portal to familiarise yourself with the event technology in advance.

We hope to see you on 28 April at Ayrshire Meet the Buyer!

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