News

Meet the Buyer South set to return for a second year!

Together with headline partners at South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and the Scottish Government, the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) has announced the second Meet the Buyer South event to take place on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 in Langholm.

Following the success of its first year, Meet the Buyer South has been established as an annual event, which highlights public sector procurement, supply chain opportunities and support for local businesses based in the region.

Focusing on one-to-one networking, this free event is an ideal opportunity for businesses in the South of Scotland to engage with Scotland’s public and private sectors, to find their share of upcoming contracts and business opportunities worth £14.5bn annually in Scotland.

Representatives from the Scottish Government Procurement Directorate, who are keen to connect with local businesses and social enterprises, will be on hand to highlight steps they are taking to reduce perceived barriers to tendering. They will also emphasise the range of support available to businesses, including the free tender training being delivered by the Supplier Development Programme.

In addition to the headline partners, Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council and South of Scotland Enterprise, other confirmed exhibitors include buyers from supply chain contractors Balfour Beatty and BAM. These buyers are delivering projects in the region and wish to engage local businesses to fulfil their contract needs. Also joining Meet the Buyer South, are Scotland Excel, Scottish Borders Housing Association, and Wheatley Group.

What’s more, on the day, suppliers will be able to access procurement support from the Supplier Development Programme and Business Gateway.

More exhibitors will be announced in due course.

Gillian Cameron, SDP Programme Manager said:

“Meet the Buyer South is an unmissable opportunity for businesses in the South of Scotland to spend one day out of the office, meet buyers and contractors and to upsell their products and services through one-to-one networking.”

“The South of Scotland is open for business, and small businesses no doubt will benefit from the opportunities that will arise from this event on 3rd October.”

Meet the Buyer South 2023 is aimed at all sole traders, micro, small and medium-sized businesses, supported businesses, social enterprises and third sector organisations. However big your business is, there is something useful to be found at this event.

Visit www.sdpscotland.co.uk to register for a free account and book a place to attend Meet the Buyer South on 3 October at the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm.