Firms to buy into city’s events
BID TO SHOWCASE HIGH-PROFILE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES
An event to highlight business opportunities for Wearside suppliers is taking place in Sunderland next month.
The city’s council is inviting firms to its “Meet the Buyer” event at the National Glass Centre’s Riverside Suite to find out about upcoming opportunities to be involved in the high-profile events, such as the Sunderland International Airshow, Sunderland illuminations and The Tall Ships Races 2018.
Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said: “The council is very keen to build on its mutuallybeneficial relationships with existing contractors, and to encourage new contractors to do business with us.
“We are particularly keen to support businesses from the city and neighbouring areas to submit tenders for council contracts.
“I would urge local supplijust ers to come along to the event to learn more about what is coming up and to take advantage of the opportunities available.”
Sunderland City Council’s head of events, Victoria French, said: “In recent years the two largest events from the many that are held in the city attract more than one million visitors and contribute an estimated £14-15m to the city’s economy.
“This event is aimed at giving as many businesses and organisations the information and opportunity to support the delivery of such important highlights in the city’s year.
Sunderland will host the beginning of the Tall Ships Race for the first time in July 2018, with 1.5million spectators expected into the city during the four-day event.
The city’s illuminations saw more than 200,000 people attend in 2016, while the Sunderland International Airshow brings in between £12m and £14m each year thanks to its near one million visitors.
Ted Salmon, North East England regional chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We wholeheartedly encourage our local members to register for the scheme.”
The event takes place on Wednesday, February 8 at 10am.
Council representatives including procurement officers and service managers will be on hand to answer any queries.
Register via https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-tallships-races-sunderland2018-meet-the-buyer-eventtickets-31282764591by no later than Friday, February 3.