Businesses praise ‘vital’ Meet the Buyers Expo Swansea 2025
Businesses praise ‘vital’ Meet the Buyers Expo Swansea 2025
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Businesses have praised this year’s Meet the Buyers Expo in Swansea, saying events like it are vital for them.
Run by Business Wales, with more than 60 exhibitors and over £30 billion in live contract opportunities spanning construction, transport, food, healthcare, and more, the event proved to be a game-changer for Welsh businesses looking to scale, innovate, and secure new deals.
One of those exhibiting was Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid. She said: “It’s been really fantastic. The footfall has been incredible. Our stand has been busy. It’s been non-stop.
“These sorts of events are really, really important for two reasons. They allow businesses to have a voice so we can listen to what’s really important to them.
“We’re a membership-led organisation and we always want to do that. But the number of businesses coming up to us today saying they want an organisation where they can connect, be informed and internationalise has really been off the scale.
“So, this has been hugely important for us to pick up new members — roll on next year.”
Also exhibiting was Warren Davies, a Quantity Surveyor at Bouygues UK. He said: “It is important. We’re open to finding out what subcontractors are in the area, especially for our social value targets.
“We want to make sure that we’re using companies that are local to the projects that we work on.
“It’s nice to see new faces and keep things fresh. We have a tendency to use the same contractors day in, day out, and project to project, so it’s always good to see what else is out there and offer something a little bit different.”
The event, held at the Swansea Building Society Arena, welcomed more than 800 attendees who enjoyed networking, seminars, and plenty of freebies.
Sam Docherty, Director at Onebox Business Supplies, was among the visitors and said: “I think this is vital. People buy from people and I think if you put a face to a name it’s always better than just a blank email.
“I think getting out and about, certainly post-COVID, these events really are a valuable experience for us at OneBox.”
The Business Wales team is now preparing to do it all over again, with the second edition of the series taking place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 16 October.
Attendance is free. Book your place now at www.businesswalesexpo.wales/home.
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