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Growth Deals Galore at Forth Valley Meet the Buyer

In partnership with Stirling Council, Falkirk Council and Clackmannanshire Council, the Supplier Development Programme will hold a free online business event, Forth Valley Meet the Buyer this Wednesday, 30 June.

This live, virtual event aims to invite local businesses to learn the latest news and opportunities related to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and the Falkirk Growth Deal.

Stirling Council Leader Councillor Scott Farmer, Falkirk Council Leader Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, and Clackmannanshire Council Leader Councillor Ellen Forson will deliver a joint opening address to the online event.

The virtual platform will showcase virtual presentations and live Q&A sessions, themed on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and the Falkirk Growth Deal.

Councillor Scott Farmer, Leader of Stirling Council, said: “The Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event will give businesses the opportunity to hear about the ambitious and exciting plans for Stirling over the coming months and years, including the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

“A key element of these planned investments is ensuring that local businesses have full access to the significant supply-chain opportunities that will be generated.

“We have a team in place to support, both at the event, and on an ongoing basis to assist and help businesses access these opportunities.

“I hope you enjoy the event and look forward to working with you to deliver our programme of investment.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said: “Businesses attending the Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event will hear more about the bid presented to UK and Scottish Government to deliver the Falkirk and Grangemouth Investment Zone that aims to deliver transformational, inclusive and clean growth.

“Our Falkirk Council team will also update attendees on our investment in road infrastructure, a new bridge being erected over the Westfield roundabout, green travel networks and our housing investment programme.

“Falkirk is an ambitious and forward thinking Council, and we hope businesses in our area will attend to learn about upcoming opportunities to boost the economy and encourage new employment prospects.”

Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: “During the Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event, businesses will have the opportunity to attend sessions about the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and the Falkirk Growth Deal, both of which will bring a significant economic boost to the region.

“Scotland’s International Environment Centre, led by the University of Stirling, is a project that will largely be based in Clackmannanshire. Whilst businesses will see that all the Deal projects will bring significant benefits to the region over the coming decade, this project will start soonest and, as well as offering contract opportunities, will become a significant hub of innovation and support for those businesses who might support the transition to a net-zero economy.

“I encourage businesses in Clackmannanshire and those that want to do business with Clackmannanshire Council to attend the Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event.”

Representatives from the three local authorities will be available in a virtual Exhibit Hall throughout the day to talk through their plans and projects, as well as wider council capital investment programmes, outlining what contracts are coming up to award and when.

Businesses can also find out how to become 'tender ready' for bid writing for these many opportunities through free training from the Supplier Development Programme.

Gillian Cameron, SDP Programme Manager, said: “Early engagement of local businesses in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and the Falkirk Growth Deal is absolutely critical to long-term success and economic prosperity.

“This free, fully virtual and interactive event will define what a Growth Deal is and what it can mean in real terms to businesses of all sizes.”

The Forth Valley Meet the Buyer event is free to attend and open to all, but businesses must register via the Supplier Development Programme website at www.sdpscotland.co.uk.