£36.1bn procurement opportunities on offer as meet the buyers expo returns
£36.1bn procurement opportunities on offer as meet the buyers expo returns
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Welsh businesses will once again have the chance to tap into billions of pounds in procurement opportunities as the Meet the Buyers Expo series returns this autumn, building on the success of last year’s events.
Organised by Business Wales, the expo aims to strengthen Wales’ Foundational Economy by connecting local suppliers with key buyers across the public and private sectors. The 2025 events will take place on 10 September at Swansea Arena and 16 October at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, running from 9:00am to 2:30pm.
The initiative highlights the Welsh Government’s continued commitment to creating sustainable supply chains that deliver economic and social value to communities across the country.
In 2024, the events drew over 1,000 attendees, featured 110 exhibitors, and offered 872 live contract opportunities. Among the major buyers engaging with Welsh businesses were Transport for Wales, NHS Shared Services Partnership, Natural Resources Wales, Crown Commercial Service, Swansea Council, and the DVLA, alongside leading construction firms like Wynne Construction, Morganstone, and Morgan Sindall.
Crucial business support organisations such as Constructing Excellence Wales, the Development Bank of Wales, and Social Business Wales also took part, helping SMEs access the advice and tools they need to innovate, grow, and win competitive tenders.
This year, organisers say the event will provide even more opportunity to help Welsh businesses navigate procurement pipelines, access live tenders, and position themselves as credible suppliers.
“The Meet the Buyers Expo series continues to be a powerful tool for growing Wales’ Foundational Economy,” a Business Wales spokesperson said. “These events create meaningful links between buyers and local suppliers and help demystify the procurement process for smaller businesses.”
Each expo will also feature a dedicated Support Zone, designed to offer attendees practical guidance on finding, bidding for, and securing contracts with major public and private sector buyers.
Organisers say the aim is to “dispel the myth that large organisations only work with big suppliers” and to ensure that smaller Welsh businesses leave equipped with the tools and confidence to compete on a national stage.
With a focus on sustainability, inclusive growth, and regional investment, the 2025 series will continue to shape the procurement landscape in Wales, while unlocking a potential £36.1 billion in business opportunities across the country.
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