19 November, 9.00 AM
For Global Enterprise Week in 2009, we’re planning a huge 'meet the buyer'-type event called ‘Meet Sandwell Council’s supply chain’, to be held at the Balaji Temple in Oldbury.
On Thursday 19 November, more than 50 of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s first-tier suppliers will exhibit their products and services – and network with potentially hundreds more Sandwell SMEs who are interested in supplying to them.
Professor Carl Chinn MBE, famous Midlands industrial historian, has confirmed his attendance on the day. He has agreed to deliver a rousing speech, just as he did at our recent Mayor’s Breakfast, about the world-class skills available here in the Black Country, and the importance of local firms working together.
A huge, heated marquee will be installed at the Balaji Temple for the event, where delegates from local businesses can network freely around the suppliers’ exhibition stands. Upstairs in the main building, there will be a special Buyers' Den, where a series of pre-booked one-to-one meetings will be run throughout the day with the purchasing decision-makers from Sandwell Council's first-tier suppliers.
In addition to our incumbent suppliers, officers from the Council's procurement team will also be on hand to provide information on our forthcoming contracts and offer advice on 'how to do business with Sandwell Council'. (Book your meeting now.)
In the specially set up ‘Advice Zone’, people thinking of setting up a business, or relocating their existing business to Sandwell, can get useful advice about the Sandwell offer including grants, business support and incentives available from Sandwell Council. Attendees will be able to meet with Sandwell Council's business engagement team, finding out about the support and opportunities available to them.
Outside, staff on the finditinsandwell Netbus will have Wi-Fi-enabled workstations to show you how to make the most of finditinsandwell in your business.
When? Thursday 19 November, 9am - 3pm
Where? The Balaji Temple, Dudley Road East, Oldbury B69 3DU
How much does it cost? It's free
How do I sign up? If you’re a first-tier supplier to Sandwell Council, you will receive a letter in the near future, inviting you to book your free exhibition stand. Other businesses wishing to attend or pre-book a one-to-one meeting with buyers from our first-tier suppliers are urged to make their interest known now, by emailing stephen_massey@sandwell.gov.uk.