More than 100 local suppliers met the region’s largest construction players at a special event to discuss tender opportunities and large-scale building projects.
The event, which was opened by Nottingham North MP Graham Allen, took place at New College Nottingham’s commercial business base – the Nottingham Sustainability and Enterprise Centre, next to NCN’s Basford Hall site.
As well as being a hub for sustainable construction in the city, NSEC is also an incubation centre for start-ups and small enterprises in the sector.
“Meet the Buyer” is designed to help small businesses in construction to grow and win new business and is a partnership between Nottingham City Council, the Construction Industry Training Board and New College Nottingham’s Business to Business team.
Buyers included some of the industry’s key companies who are working on high-profile schemes, such as GF Tomlinson who are refurbishing Byron House, in Maid Marian Way, and Wilmott Dixon, who are working on the £30 million extension of BioCity.
Nathan Wilkins, Project Coordinator, Joint Investment Strategy Initiative for the Construction Sector, said “There’s a huge commitment from the council and the CITB to deliver programmes and events like this which make a difference to businesses in the sector.
“Alongside Meet the Buyer, we also offer fully-funded construction business management courses. It’s all part of our Joint Investment Strategy which aims to create growth in construction through business, people and local enablers, such as New College Nottingham.”
Construction is thriving in Nottinghamshire, says Jade Whitemore, Head of Business Development at ncn Business to Business.
“We supported the event because as a workplace training and Apprenticeship provider, we’re keen to encourage business growth and development, especially SMEs, which contribute so much to our regional economy.”
Picture shows L-R: Chris Grocock, Partnerships Manager, Nottingham City Council; Nathan Wilkins, Project Coordinator, Joint Investment Strategy, Jade Brindley, Head of Business Development, New College Nottingham, Mich O’Flynn, Sector Strategy Manager, CITB.