Fair chance for bit of match-making

Feb 2 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

COMPANIES in the region will get a special opportunity to sell to national buyers next month at the North East Regional Business Fair.

The event, which is backed by The Journal, aims to match buyers with suppliers and develop real opportunities for firms battling to increase sales in the recession.

Organiser Business Link says there will be more than 100 representatives from companies looking for supplies from a wide range of sectors including automotive, chemicals and processing, commercial creative, defence and marine, energy, food and drink, healthcare, and knowledge intensive business services.

Business Link account manager Hina Joshi said: “The North East Regional Business Fair is taking place at a very opportune moment. Despite the very challenging economic climate, there are still opportunities in this region for suppliers of high quality and value products and services.

“North East England is home to many excellent companies and Meet the Buyers is the ideal chance for them to develop productive working relationships with a wide range of major businesses. I urge firms to use this great opportunity and book their place at the fair.”

The North East Regional Business Fair is particularly timely for companies in the vehicle sector. Many second and third tier suppliers in the region have suffered as a result of cutbacks by manufacturers, including Nissan’s plant in Washington.

Several large engineering and construction vehicle companies will be attending Meet the Buyers and are keen to hear what potential suppliers from the region can offer them.

Firms that have built their turnover on supplying parts or skills to car manufacturers will be able to make appointments with major companies such as Komatsu, Honda Engineering, the Ministry of Defence, defence and aerospace group Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce.

Buyers going to the fair have provided Business Link with an outline of the products and services they have a serious interest in procuring and the organisers will seek to match-make firms during the event, maximising its value for all involved.

The event at Newcastle Racecourse and Conference Centre on February 25 and 26 will also feature a support and advice zone, bringing together a range of organisations to offer guidance to businesses.

The zone will host a series of free clinics, covering a range of business support services and enabling visitors to receive an introduction to the extensive support available from Business Link.

The fair is completed by a business service exhibition, which will feature more than 50 regional companies showcasing new ideas, technologies and business services that are now available in the North East.

To register at the North East Regional Business Fair, or for more information, visit www.nebusinessfair.co.uk , email karen@btob.co.uk  or call (0191) 281-5777.

Once registered, delegates will receive regular updates about the event.