THE 2024 Meet the Buyer South event in Galashiels has been hailed a ‘great success’ after a 48% increase in supplier attendance from the previous year.
Hosted by the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) and Scottish Borders Council, the event gave suppliers in the south of Scotland access to buyers and decision makers in the public and private sectors.
Overall, the event saw an increase in all areas from the previous year – over 500 suppliers pre-registered which was an increase of 37% and around 250 suppliers attended; up almost 48%, this included 160 attendees from 127 unique Scottish SMEs.
The likes of Balfour Beatty, BAM, Hub South East Scotland, Morrison Construction, Ogilvie Construction, RJ McLeod, Scottish Borders Housing Association, Scottish Procurement Alliance, Waverley Housing Association, and Crown Commercial Services had exhibition stands at the event.
Scottish Borders Council leader, councillor Euan Jardine, said, “Feedback from the report speaks for itself, with nearly 95% of attendees rating the event as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’; 91% expressing it helped them network and make useful connections; 91% planned to follow up opportunities with organisations they met and over 83% said they were encouraged to bid for more contracts following the event.
“The event absolutely nailed its brief; we’re really delighted so many SMEs were able to attend and found it useful and as a consequence SBC is looking forward to working with existing and new suppliers from across the south of Scotland.”
