Meet the Buyers returns at Stansted after £2.3m boost for local firms
Organised on behalf of the airport by UMi, the event gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the chance to meet key buyers linked to the airport’s supply chain.
In 2024, 30 major buyers met with hundreds of suppliers from across the region, with firms including LPL Construction, Ampersand Associates and Prolectric landing new deals.
This year, attendees will also be able to explore opportunities linked to the airport’s £1.1 billion transformation project, giving local firms even more ways to benefit from Stansted’s growth.
Marcella M'Rabety, MAG’s Head of Social Sustainability, said: “Meet the Buyers is one of the most important events in our calendar because it directly supports local businesses, creates jobs, and ensures the benefits of the airport’s growth are felt across the region. Last year’s results show just how powerful these connections can be, and we’re excited to build on that success in 2025.”
Keith Philips, Commercial Director at Ampersand Associates, said the event has been instrumental in helping his business grow: "As a local business owner based in Bishop’s Stortford, I’ve seen first-hand how Stansted Airport acts as a powerful engine for our local economy with vast opportunities for local businesses to be involved. The proposed expansion isn’t just about increasing passenger numbers, it’s about unlocking new opportunities for businesses like ours.
"The annual Meet the Buyers event is invaluable for us and we make sure to attend every year. Last year, Ampersand Associates secured around £75,000 of new business and made connections with Tier 1 companies that allowed us to adopt new technologies including 3D scans and GPS data point surveys. More passengers will mean more demand, more partnerships, and more jobs for local people, which can only be a good thing for the community and economy.”
Now in its 24th year, Meet the Buyers is expected to once again draw hundreds of businesses keen to showcase their services and secure new contracts. To register for Meet the Buyers 2025, visit: https://www.stanstedmtb.co.uk/