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The Scottish Government counts down to Meet the Buyer 2023

The latest Public Procurement and Property blog from the Scottish Government marks three months to go until the Meet the Buyer 2023 event on Wednesday, 17 May 2023. Find out what to look forward to on the day!

In its latest Public Procurement and Property guest blog post, the Scottish Government announces details about the largest free national Meet the Buyer event in Scotland organised by the Supplier Development Programme, in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scotland Excel and the UK Department for Transport.

What is a Meet the Buyer event?

A Meet the Buyer event provides suppliers (businesses) with the opportunity to introduce themselves and connect with public sector buyers or private sector primary contractors. Scottish Enterprises will be able to learn about what future tender opportunities buyers have in their pipeline, for example:

• future projects and contracts
• framework opportunities
• dynamic purchasing systems
• supply chain opportunities

Announced Headline Partners

Headline partners that have been announced so far include the Scottish Government, Scotland Excel, the Supplier Development Programme, and the UK Department for Transport.

Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, has also been confirmed to deliver an address on the day alongside other exciting speakers and panels.

There will be a construction zone dedicated to engaging with Scotland’s supply chains and Community Wealth Building opportunities, championed by hub East Central Scotland. There will also be exhibitions from Scotland’s health board in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and others to be confirmed.

Additionally, public bodies such as Scottish Enterprise, Social Security Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Scottish Procurement Alliance, and Partnership for Housing Scotland.

Meet the Buyer also offers the opportunity to engage with the Supplier Development Programme, Scotland’s local authority economic development initiatives, and other business support.

More exhibitors are expected to be confirmed weekly.

Is Meet the Buyer 2023 for my business?

This Meet the Buyer event is specifically designed to help Scotland’s SMEs and social enterprises understand what public sector buyers are looking for. So no matter the size of your business, this Meet the Buyer event is an unmissable chance to learn more about how you can prepare for future business in the public sector.

Register for Meet the Buyer 2023 Now!

If your business can attend just one event this year, make it Meet the Buyer 2023! All suppliers, especially micro, small and medium sized businesses and social enterprises, are eligible to attend for free and must register an account with SDP to book a place.