Property services firms took the chance to pitch for millions of pounds’ worth of contracts at a match-making event hosted by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
Construction companies and local authorities were among the 28 organisations offering face-to-face sessions at the Meet the Buyers day held at the Ageas Bowl.
The same event last year generated deals worth an estimated £2.3 million, a figure organisers say is set to be beaten.
Chamber chief executive Jimmy Chestnutt said: “It can take months for smaller companies to get through the door to land contracts. This event enables businesses to deliver their elevator pitches across the table straight away. Given the level of interest, we are confident of doing even better than last year.”
Among the buyers was Kier Construction whose Southampton-based commercial manager Chris Lawrence said: “Construction is a fast moving sector and we need to keep abreast of innovation in the supply chain. Coming to this event means we can find out first-hand what is happening with sub-contractors such as roofers, mechanical and electrical engineers and designers.”
The suppliers’ side included the drainage firm Wessex Drainage Solutions. Although headquartered in Salisbury, 80% of its business is in Hampshire with teams based in Portsmouth, Cosham and Yateley. Director Ian Porter said: “This event gives us the chance to meet people with property portfolios we wouldn’t normally have the chance to see. Once you are through the door you can then establish an ongoing dialogue.”
The event was funded by a partnership of local authorities. Councillor Ray Ellis of Hampshire County Council said: “This is a marvelous enabling event for major buyers to learn directly what services are out there from local suppliers and so increase the overall economic prosperity of Hampshire.”
