Around 250 representatives from 170 businesses in 17 London boroughs forged future potential business opportunities today (Thursday 25th July) at the Royal Docks Meet the Buyer event. It is the second year that the event has been organised by London City Airport, this year in partnership with the Royal Docks Team, supported by the London Borough of Newham, and delivered by UMi.
Staged at Newham Council’s HQ, Building 1000, overlooking Royal Albert Dock, the networking event connected local businesses with opportunities across the airport and in the Royal Docks area, with 25 buyers in attendance. Last year, the single-day generated £1.1 million of business transactions, and it is hoped the 2019 event will surpass this figure.
The buyers are all based close to, or working in, London’s Royal Docks - London’s only Enterprise Zone and one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK - each either actively sourcing, issuing tenders, obtaining quotes or awarding supplier contracts. Expertise was sought in a variety of sectors including construction, engineering, and facilities management. Newham buyers included the University of East London, BP Installations, Aloft London Hotels, Tate And Lyle Sugars, Good Hotel, and ExCeL London Hospitality, as well as Newham Council itself. Newham Chamber of Commerce also attended as an exhibitor.
Several firms involved in the airport’s supply chain and the £500m City Airport Development Programme also formed the line-up of buyers, including BAM Nuttall, Kier Construction, and Newham firm, Kilnbridge, which was recently awarded a £17m contract to help build the airport’s new terminal facilities. UK Power Networks Services were also present, which will install a raft of renewable and sustainable energy technologies as part of the airport’s new microgrid.
Liam McKay, Director of Corporate Affairs for London City Airport, said: “The Royal Docks Meet the Buyer event demonstrates the direct positive influence that London City Airport and its supply chain has on the East London economy in creating business opportunities and generating quality jobs for local people, especially in Newham. This builds on our long track record as a dynamic, sustainable business, in the heart of the Royal Docks – the next great area of opportunity in London with a truly global outlook."
“I know today’s event will open new doors for local firms, not just with the airport but with a host of partners and stellar buyers in attendance, and as the airport grows, we will continue to look for opportunities to share the benefits with East London businesses and SMEs.”
Lloyd Johnson, Chairman of the Newham Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Royal Docks Meet the Buyer has rapidly become a key pillar of the borough’s calendar, showcasing the many opportunities for Newham businesses, creating local investment, and giving practical advice to SMEs about how they can get involved in some of the most exciting projects in this fast-growing area of regeneration.”
During the day’s busy agenda, alongside buyer-supplier meetings, there was the opportunity for networking and workshops presented by the East London Business Place and the Living Wage Foundation. London City Airport became a London Living Wage accredited employer earlier this year, and is on course to be the UK’s first Living Wage airport.
The event builds on London City Airport’s existing supply chain record, which in 2018 equated to a £9 million spend in the Local Area, including £6.5 million spent in the airport’s home borough of Newham with 21 businesses.
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