Businesses learn about council work prospects

More than 150 Wearside businesses attended a special event to learn more about opportunities to work with Sunderland City Council.

The Meet the Buyer event, held at National Glass Centre, to find out more about upcoming opportunities to support high-profile events, such as Sunderland International Airshow, Sunderland illuminations and The Tall Ships Races 2018 in Sunderland.

Coun John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “Sunderland has a well-deserved reputation for hosting a fantastic range of events. Each year city events attract over a million visitors and contribute an estimated £15million to our city’s economy.

“The council is very keen to build on its existing relationships with contractors, and also to encourage new businesses to work with us. It was fantastic to see so many local businesses coming along to find out more. I hope that as many of them as possible take advantage of the opportunities that we are making available.”

Council representatives, including procurement officers and service managers, were on hand to answer questions and provide further information on the city’s signature events. Information on how businesses can register with the city council on the Buy Sunderland First Scheme was also available.

Account manager at Sitelink Communications Ltd, Laura English, said: “I found the event very interesting and informative. There are some fantastic events planned for Sunderland over the next few years and we at Sitelink hope to be part of them.

“I wholeheartedly encourage local businesses to register for theBuy Sunderland First Scheme. I also urge any local companies to make the most of thegreatopportunitiestobeinvolved in major regional events that shows both their work and the city to the widest of audiences.”