Fife businesses log on in force to Meet the Buyer event

Fife businesses logged on in force for this year’s Supplier Development Programme Meet the Buyer event, which took place online for the first time. 822 suppliers and 1,161 attendees increased their knowledge of what buyers in the public sector are looking for, with almost 300 attendees participating in the “How to do business with Fife and Tayside” session.  

With other sessions and exhibition meetings held during the day, business owners and managers were able to engage directly with local authority procurement officers as a means of introducing and discussing their range of products and services.

For McDonald Water Storage, Meet the Buyer is an important annual event. Whilst this year was slightly different, the Glenrothes-based business, had a positive experience. Mike Smith, Business Development Manager at McDonald Water Storage, attended online. He said:

“This year’s Meet the Buyer, although in a different format, was extremely worthwhile, and provided a positive outcome. We generated a couple of promising leads, which we do hope we can turn in to contracts in the near future. 

“The virtual Meet the Buyer was effortless, slick and easy to join. An excellent platform from which to have meaningful conversations!”

David Adamson, Business Development Manager at First Scottish Group, which specialises in professional searches and document management, also attended Meet the Buyer in June. David commented:

“The Meet the Buyer event was very interesting and posed opportunities for First Scottish. In particular, we identified an opportunity within the EESSH2 Framework, whereby we can support the conveyancing system with legal searches and document management services. It also gave us the opportunity to bolster our understanding of Public Contracts Scotland’s tender process, which has worked well for us in the past, as well as help raise awareness of the range and quality of services we offer.”

The Public Sector is one of the biggest buyers of goods and services. As the third largest local authority in Scotland, with a third party works, goods and services spend of around £518 million each year, Fife Council is responsible for delivering all local government services in the Kingdom.  Fife companies that attend events such as Meet the Buyer, and the workshops offered by the Supplier Development Programme, have been able to improve their understanding of the biding process and, as a result, have increased their chances of winning a contract.  

Dunfermline’s Internet Creation also took part in the event, as it was keen to engage with local authorities from across Scotland to get a better understanding of their priorities and objectives for the year ahead. Director of Internet Creation, Ian Paltiel, said:

“I was curious as to how the virtual event would work, and it was really very positive. It was easy to attend, to engage and to find out information about buyers as well as seminars on the day. During Meet the Buyer, I was able to attend several sessions, and got a better understanding of the strategies and visions of key local authorities, and how they approach the tendering process, which will certainly stand us in good stead. I also picked up a couple of tips relating to tendering via Public Contracts Scotland – such valuable information!”

The Meet the Buyer event worthy of consideration by Fife businesses, is Meet the Buyer (North) on 7^th September, headline partners include the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. This event is free and gives unprecedented access to buyers and decision makers from across the Public and Private sector, with the opportunity to raise your profile as a business and prepare for upcoming contract opportunities. For full details please visit https://www.sdpscotland.co.uk.

For businesses seeking assistance on how to Access New Markets and increase your knowledge of bidding for Public Sector contracts, please email fifemeansbusiness@fife.gov.uk. 

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