Flying start for biggest B2B event

Mar 4 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

MORE than 2000 people visited the opening day of the North East's largest business-to-business event.

Business Exchange North East offers firms the chance to win contracts and make new contracts with national suppliers, as well as joining in seminars and talks.

The two-day event at Newcastle Racecourse and Conference Centre was organised by Business Link and was opened by Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East – the organisation which delivers the service.

He said: “Business Exchange has been designed to offer something for everyone, to help grow and develop business through new contacts, suppliers and customers.

“Along with the chance to meet new buyers in the Procurement Pavilion, the region’s largest business-to-business exhibition is an opportunity to source products, services and suppliers.

“And the conference sessions offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for inspiration, information or innovation.

“This really is a unique event for the region that we hope unites all sectors of the business community.”

There were seminars, practical workshops and inspiring keynote speeches covering a range of topics to help businesses realise their potential.

And, at the Exchange Exhibition, over 80 businesses and organisations showcased their products, services and support services to the largest number of visitors to any business event in the region. While, in the Procurement Pavilion, a host of regional and national buyers were involved in a series of one-to-one meetings with the very best suppliers the North East has to offer.

Cramlington web design and marketing company MBL Solutions was there. Senior marketing consultant Carly Herron said: “We were involved with Meet the Buyers at last year’s event and made some good contacts who turned into new clients that we continue to work with.

“We were keen to get involved again as it’s a great meeting ground for businesses to generate potential new leads, as well as to partner with other firms. We decided to raise our profile and visibility further this year by having an exhibition stand to ensure we have every opportunity to meet prospective new clients.”

:: The event continues today. Register at www.business-exchange.org.uk , email info@business-exchange.org.uk  or call 0191 241 4523