International One to One
The BMF organised ‘International
One to One’, in association with IBI and UKTI, took place at the
2008 Collins Stewart London Boat Show.
Buyers from as far afield as Australia and Taiwan all enjoyed the
event which is now in its seventh year and was formerly know as the
Meet the Buyer. Now in its seventh year the speed dating
format of the event, with twenty minute meetings arranged for
Buyers and Suppliers over the four days, has proved a very
efficient and effective way to do business and BMF members have
benefitted greatly from these events over the years.
Howard Pridding, Executive Director
of the BMF said "Over the last seven years, the Buyer missions have
generated millions of pounds worth of business for our equipment
suppliers. We are delighted with the interest in the project
and look forward to another successful event."
Buyers, including purchasing
managers and directors, like the event because they see a
concentrated stream of new Suppliers over a short period.
A Buyer at the event, David
Elderkin from French distributor Vidal Marine said "One to one
meetings are the most successful way to meet new people and
suppliers. It is my preferred way to visit shows and events. This
one in London was a great event and well organised. Superb job
guys!"
Wilco Smit from Vitters added:
“Very positive one to one meetings, well organised and definitely
recommended if you're expanding your range of suppliers.”
“I have found the
International One to One interesting and have met a variety of new
people and products,” said Gert Kaijen from Amels.
Emilio Lledo from Monty North /
North Wind in Barcelona said, “I want to congratulate you and
the whole team of the BMF for the high level of the 1to1 meetings
to which you invited me. The event was very well organised,
and you have taken very good care of us. All the meetings
have been very interesting.”
Don
Dennison from Sencora finished, “Apart from being a refreshing
break from the shipyard office routine, the chance to discuss, face
to face, with new (and some known) suppliers, was for me very
beneficial. It is a far more effective way to communicate ideas and
information in depth than over the telephone or by email.”
Conversely Suppliers find the event
a very efficient way to see new companies from around the world
without all the normal associated travel.
Hugh Cunningham of Halyard said,
“The International One to One was instantly successful for
us. At our first meeting the Buyer told us he would visit our
stand at lunch time to order from us - and he did! The event
once again has been an important way for us to meet Buyers.”
The Buyers also had programme of
evening events, culminating with the main Gala Dinner at the Crowne
Plaza, where nearly one hundred guests dined.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI),
the export arm of Government, supported both International One to
One and the International Business Lounge