Stockport based businesses are invited to meet some of Stockport’s largest public sector organisations and leading businesses at a Meet the Buyer event taking place on Thursday 3rd March 2011.

Stockport Council has hosted ‘Meet the Buyer’ events for a number of years, however this year’s event will be the first providing access to 14 public and private sector buyers under one roof, bringing even more opportunities to local businesses.

Businesses will have the chance to request a 10 minute pitching opportunity with a buyer acting on behalf of a public sector organisation or private sector business. All appointments will need to be pre-booked and the deadline for returning booking forms is 4th February 2011 (5pm)

When: Thursday 3rd March 2011, 10am – 3.30pm

Where: Ballroom, Stockport Town Hall, Edward Street, Stockport, SK1 3XE

Charge: Free

Why: To give you the opportunity to meet buying teams from some of Stockport’s largest companies with a view to achieving new contracts.

How: 10 minute appointment slots with the buying team(s)

The event will give you the opportunity to pitch directly to the people who may be looking for the goods and services you have to offer. The Council would encourage you to attend if you are able to meet the current supplier requirements of some of the biggest public and most significant private sector companies in Stockport.

Organisations participating in the Meet the Buyer 2011 event include:

adidas Pure Innovations

Authentic Foods SAS Daniels

B Sky B Solutions SK

Chiesi Stockport Council

Egan Reid Stockport Homes

MAN Diesel Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

NPS (Stockport) Stockport Sports Trust

Refreshments will be provided throughout the day and there will also be opportunities for you to network with other suppliers at the event and visit exhibition displays from business support organisations.

All interested parties need to pre-book an appointment, to do so please read and follow the steps below;

Stage 1

Check you are able to offer the goods and services that are currently required by the buying teams by reading the document ‘Information Pack’ (available at http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/business/meetthebuyer2011?view=Standard ).

Stage 2

Please be selective when choosing which buying teams you would like to meet and focus on those that have requested your goods/services. You can choose up to 6 companies but the Council may need to further limit appointments if demand is high.

Stage 3

To book appointments download and complete the attached booking form at http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/business/meetthebuyer2011?view=Standard. Please return your completed booking form via email to econdev@stockport.gov.uk or by fax to 0161 474 3701. All booking forms need to be returned by 5pm on the 4th February 2011

Stage 4

The council will endeavour to match you with the buying teams and will send you an email confirming the details of your appointment(s) by the 18th February 2011.

Please be aware the Council will endeavour to match as many companies with appointments, however, due to high demand appointments can not be guaranteed.