Suppliers vote Airport 'Meet the Buyer 2008' a roaring success

London Luton Airport held its first Meet the Buyer event on 16th and 17th of October 2008, hosted in conjunction with Luton Borough Council, The Chamber, Business Link and the Federation of Small Businesses. The event was organised to give local businesses the opportunity to showcase their services to Airport companies.

Feedback from those that attended ‘Meet the Buyer' has been overwhelmingly positive with many businesses indicating their meetings had been successful and some even concluding deals with Buyers on the spot. Over 500 appointments were held at the event between 100 suppliers and 25 airport ‘buyers'. Additionally through generous donations made by attending suppliers £10,000 was raised for the London Luton Airport Charity of the Year ‘The East Anglian Air Ambulance'.

‘Meet the Buyer' is part of London Luton Airport and Luton Borough Council's commitment to work closely with local business networks, the local authorities and sub-regional partners to enhance local supply chain activity. The event has shown the benefits of procuring goods and services on a more local basis, helping local businesses and employment levels, as well as potentially bringing additional environmental benefits. It has also highlighted the breadth and quality of small businesses present in Luton and the wider sub-region.

Glyn Jones, London Luton Managing Director said "London Luton Airport is committed to making a positive contribution towards the regeneration and growth of Luton and the sub-region. We believe that our success has been built, and is most sustainably maintained, on a foundation of strong relationships between the airport and its communities. We have been delighted with the reaction of the local business community to ‘Meet the Buyer' and the positive feedback we have received from all involved. We look forward to the event generating real financial value for all parties involved."

Luton entrepreneur, Shiraz Jessa, attended ‘Meet the Buyer' and said ‘I came along not really sure of what to expect; I have been really impressed with the scale of the event with so many buyers from large companies based at the airport ready and eager to meet and talk with local businesses about their products and services. The meetings I have had today all present real opportunities for my business and I am confident will lead to contracts, some suppliers I spoke to even reached agreement to do business with buyers on the day!'