Meet the Buyer 2011 Press Release

Meet the Buyer goes from strength to strength

 

The BMF Meet the Buyer (MTB), in association with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and IBI magazine, took place from 11-12 January 2011. Eighteen buyers, representing a mixture of shipyards and distributors, from as far afield as South Africa, Poland, Turkey, Finland and Italy attended the MTB, meeting 64 UK supplier companies. In all there were a staggering 435 meetings, a record for this event.

 

David Barrow, Chairman of the BMF International Committee and supplier at the events said: “BMF Meet the Buyer goes from strength to strength each year and I have heard a lot of positive comments from both Buyers and Suppliers at the event. The opportunity to meet companies like Azimut and Perini Navi under one roof and for less than a European airfare is excellent. On behalf of the BMF I’d like to thank UKTI for their support, without it innovative events like these wouldn’t happen.”

 

There were many positive companies from both buyers and suppliers at the event:

 

“The organisation of the event was perfect. The meetings were always punctual and not too long, some of which were particularly interesting. I hope further developments will arise. I deem the Meet the Buyer event a very useful initiative and thank the BMF and UKTI for their support.” Antonio Cacace, Arcadia Yachts, Italy

 

“I would express great satisfaction for taking part in the Meet the Buyer 2011 event for many reasons: the chance of meeting new suppliers (much better and more in depth than normally possible in large shows), the opportunity to know the UK supply market better (also as home to other important market players), and finally the open networking with colleagues from other companies. The single suppliers may raise different level of interest, but the overall format works very well.  Excellent organization and great location and time – which offers the chance to visit the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show - complete the picture.”  Michelangelo Casadei, Ferretti Group, Italy

 

“I’ve had an enlightening few days here at Meet the Buyer and have met with many suppliers I would not have known existed if I hadn’t attended the event.  An extremely worthwhile trip.”  Andrew Edwards, Robertson and Caine, South Africa

 

Running alongside the BMF Meet the Buyer event were UKTI commercial officer meetings; 30 companies met with 13 commercial officers in over 100 meetings. These meetings help UK companies gain information on new markets and help them formulate their export plans.

 

Christopher Uniacke, International Trade Advisor for UKTI South East said: “The BMF, with help from our Foreign Commercial Officers, has done a great job to bring the buyers to London to meet with so many UK companies who normally would not be able to gain access to these yards and distributors. UKTI is very happy to support this important annual event.”