Nearly 300 local businesses gathered at London Stansted’s latest Meet the Buyers event looking to secure contracts linked to the airport's £1.1 billion transformation project.

Now in its 23rd year, the event brought together businesses from across the region, all ready to pitch their products and services to 30 major buyers including Fado, Galliford Try, Kier, Mace, LPL Construction and London Stansted.

The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, kicked off with Mike Hardaker, Chief Airport Asset and Development Officer, sharing exciting updates on Stansted's transformation and encouraging local businesses to get involved. He said:

"Over the last 23 years, Meet the Buyers has become a key event for local businesses. As the airport grows, we have big plans to improve our facilities, handle more passengers, and make the airport experience better for everyone. We're committed to working closely with the local community, and we want to make sure that local businesses benefit from all the new opportunities that are coming with this major development. Local businesses can play a key role in this – whether by supplying products and services or bringing fresh ideas to the table. Meet the Buyers is a great way for suppliers to connect directly with buyers, creating real opportunities for new business in a quick and easy way."

For many attendees, the event was the perfect opportunity to connect with key decision-makers face to face and explore new collaborations. 

John Baker, Managing Director of Paragon Stainless in Colchester, was impressed by the variety of businesses on offer. “The diversity of businesses here today is impressive, and the potential for new partnerships is endless. It’s a fantastic chance to connect and explore future opportunities.”

Pavlina Chauhan, Director of AKN Engineering in Bishop’s Stortford, agreed, “Meet the Buyers has been an amazing platform for us to showcase our products and services directly to major buyers. Being able to meet face-to-face is priceless.”

Tony Egan, Director of Four-Two Logistics, a company based near the airport, highlighted the broader impact of the event. “This event is about more than just making deals—it helps us feel like we’re part of a bigger, thriving community. The connections made here will benefit local businesses for years to come.”

Robert Lee from Marketing Kinetics in Bishop’s Stortford added, “Meet the Buyers is a vital event for small businesses like ours. It allows us to pitch directly to major airport suppliers and take our business to the next level, all under one roof! We’re excited about the airport’s development plans and are looking forward to the chance to work on some of the exciting new projects that are on the horizon.”

Throughout the day, a range of workshops and presentations took place, featuring speakers like Iain McNab from Essex Chambers of Commerce, who shared insights on the priorities for a successful Essex economy, Julie Cuthbertson, Director of Strategic Projects at Umi, Matt Grundy, Screening Business Manager at Irlam Associates, and Mike Hagan and Tim Houghton from MAG London Stansted, who provided an update on the airport's transformation project.

More than £30 million in business has been generated by the event since 2011, which is organised by London Stansted and UMi.