{"id":5708,"date":"2024-09-02T14:32:11","date_gmt":"2024-09-02T13:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/public-procurement\/?p=5708"},"modified":"2024-09-02T14:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T13:32:11","slug":"meet-the-buyer-north-one-week-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/public-procurement\/2024\/09\/02\/meet-the-buyer-north-one-week-to-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Buyer North – one week to go!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prepare your business for Meet the Buyer North 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

With just one week to go until Meet the Buyer North, now is the perfect time to plan your visit.<\/p>\n

Meet the Buyer North 2024 will take place on Wednesday 11 September at The Music Hall in Aberdeen and is officially supported by The Scottish Government, Scotland Excel and Commercial and Procurement Shared Services, made up of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Highland Councils.<\/p>\n

With a fantastic range of exhibitors to visit and speaker presentations to entice you, there is plenty you can do in advance to prepare to make your visit profitable, no matter what size your organisation is!<\/p>\n

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  1. Do your homework!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Look at the buyers listed on the\u00a0Meet the Buyer North event page<\/a>\u00a0and consider who you would like to meet. Once you have a list of buyers with whom you\u2019d like to connect, research them!<\/p>\n

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    1. Prepare a verbal introduction of your business<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      When meeting buyers, open the discussion with your company name, where your business is located, and what your business does; then explain how it can help the buyer.<\/p>\n

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      1. Prepare a list of questions for buyers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        What information could you not find on the buyers\u2019 websites? Make a note of the queries your research left unanswered and ask the buyers in person (making notes of their answers).<\/p>\n

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        1. Prepare your contact information\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          When you connect with a buyer or another supplier on the day, you\u2019ll want to exchange your contact information. This year, we will be utilising an app to help you exchange contact details with all your new connections.<\/p>\n

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          1. Plan your arrival<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            With\u00a0over 750\u00a0<\/strong>individuals already registered, we anticipate Meet the Buyer North 2024 to be our busiest yet! To reduce queues and waiting times,\u00a0we will have a Fast Track entry system in place for suppliers registered before Monday 9 September<\/strong>, allowing suppliers to print their passes off at home.<\/p>\n

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            1. Visit exhibitors \u2013 it\u2019s worth the wait\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              On the day, join the queues at exhibition stands and gather Buyers\u2019 leaflets and flyers, this is where you will find information on contract opportunities.<\/p>\n

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              1. Connect with other suppliers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                You never know, they could become your next customer!<\/p>\n

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                1. Utilise the free Supplier Development Programme (SDP) training<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Once you have visited the exhibitors, networked with suppliers, and asked your questions about public sector contracts, join SDP in the keynote, for our Quick Quotes training session.<\/p>\n

                  You don\u2019t have to wait until 11 September, why not\u00a0brush up on your tendering skills before the event, with the Supplier Development Programme\u2019s free training!<\/strong>\u00a0SDP offers a range of courses to suit every level \u2013 whether you are new to tendering or have years of experience.\u00a0Browse SDP\u2019s free tender training here!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

                  Book now!<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  Over 750 people have already registered to attend Meet the Buyer North 2024 on 11 September in Aberdeen. Have you? It is a must-attend event for businesses of all sizes, based in the North of Scotland.<\/p>\n

                  Businesses must register for free tickets in advance via www.sdpscotland.co.uk<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n