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Its great to meet many others from the industry within a short period of time without it being over bearing. Both the scheduled meetings and break out functions work very well.
A nicely paced event which allowed enough time to have meaningful conversations with potential suppliers and find out more about their businesses and how they operate. The evening was a nice opportunity to network and meet more people in a relaxed format. Communication before hand was very organised and helpful.
The concept of these forums is ideal for anyone that wants to meet potential new clients. To arrange meetings with all of those companies present would have taken months and also a lot of expense travelling to each of them. All of the buyers were working on live projects that made it possible for me to be product specific according to their needs. The venue was easy to get to and I would recommend it to those who are thinking of doing these events but are unsure. The administration and support given by Platform Events was superb and nothing was too much trouble for them which made it easier for me to concentrate on what I needed to do.
A thoroughly amazing experience and so incredibly planned and managed by the team. The venue was incredible, the staff were so friendly and helpful. They couldn't do enough to support us as suppliers and really wanted this to work for all involved. I can't recommend this event enough. In all honestly, as a person who hasn't done this type of format before, and being a lady on my own, I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome and supported. It made the whole experience much easier.
This was the first Platform Event that I have attended, and I was impressed with how efficiently and professionally it was delivered, the quality of the supporting material and preparation was very good and promoted good engagement with the suppliers. The event was an alternative process to how I engage with suppliers, and I was pleasantly surprised to find products and service solutions that I may not have seen through my traditional operation. As a business Watkin Jones have ESG at the forefront of its operation and we support this low carbon stye of supply chain engagement.
A great event bringing together a number of people across a multitude of industries, giving you the chance to come away with some fresh new contacts and positive steps forward for your business. As a buyer you have a great pick of suppliers that you wouldn't meet in an ordinary situation.
Another excellent event organised by the Platform Events crew. As a buyer, we always find these events good for discovering new suppliers, as well as meeting up with sub-contractors and stakeholders that we are connected to in some way through our contracts and services, but have never actually spoken to directly before. The lists of meetings this year were very well focused on suppliers that matched our criteria for upcoming projects, as well as introducing us to ideas for additional services provided by contractors and where we could benefit from combining multiple contracts into a single one. We also found it useful from both buying and supplying to be able to speak directly to somebody representing their organisation and being able to discover most appropriate contacts to develop future business - whether that be the people at the event itself or sharing details of colleagues or collaborating with others in similar industry sectors.
Superb event the only one I would attend. The meeting organisation to formatting is absolutely perfect, the 20min speed date essentially is ideal as cuts out the 100's of emails back and forth and you'll know from a client and rightfully so from a contractor perspective if you can successfully conduct business with each other. So far we have managed to use almost all all the contractors we have met at this event which is pretty amazing success rate. Also that is great testament to how meticulous the guys at Platform select the contractors to attend. All the hard work is done from a client perspective, there have been contractors I haven't meet on the days of the event but managed to make contact via their booklet published which helps break the ice and make ease of contact and response back so much easier. So they are so many hidden and planted future benefits in attending this event.
Very well organised and the set up was excellent the timeframe for discussions with buyers and suppliers was just enough to get the information each party required. I have not been before so unsure how the set up would be so would look into my selection on a more precise basis, but the pairing was excellent. Very professional lay out and everyone who I met with were interested in our business and could fit and wanted to move forward with joining our supply chain.
The platform event was, once again, well organised and well attended with relevant suppliers/buyers from all sectors. Despite limited opportunity for suppliers at my organisation at the moment, I had some very informative and relationship-building conversations with supplier that will help me to formulate my strategy for the coming financial year and they'll certainly be part of my future commercial activity. On the organisation of the event, the team are always visible and on-hand for all attendees, meeting your requirements no matter how specific, whilst also providing a great balance of formal and informal time. Of course, we were well fed and watered throughout in a great location, that goes without saying.
I have attended Platform events and similar ones held by other event organisers and I think Platforms are the best. The format split over two days is better as there is more engagement over the networking periods, not just in the face to face meetings; all of which were very beneficial. I?ll certainly be returning in future.
Great event as always and really good to meet some new suppliers as well as catch up with some I have previously met. Probably the biggest benefit to me/Entain is getting introduced to new products/services. A lot of our specifications have been the same for a while so it is good to speak directly with suppliers to understand innovation within the market and how we could possibly use this to upgrade our estate.
To meet with buyers it is otherwise hard to arrange meetings with. Face to face meetings with target customers and their full attention A very well ran and professional couple of days. Great opportunities to meet and discuss potential projects and also to network with buyers and suppliers during the event. It is all about follow up and ensuring the buyers in attendance will give the time to the discussions after the event.
Seeking a different sales approach to gain access to key decision makers. Gaining face to face time with key decision makers, and gaining that "warm lead" foot in the door. Not knowing how the event would be run, I was a little sceptical on the whole experience if totally honest. However, the whole two day experience was phenomenally well executed and operated. All the staff from Platform Solutions constantly guide you, advise you and assist in you "the client" getting the best out of the event. The standard of hospitality, venue, catering, entertainment was exceptionally well organised, and speaking to fellow suppliers throughout the two days, everyone's experience was the same. Cannot speak highly enough of the team, their service and expertise !!
Ability to speak directly to key decision makers Our efforts to speak to key decision makers from selected buyers had got us nowhere. Hence, we saw details of this event and decided to take a gamble. The event was a welcome surprise. It was tremendously well organised and most importantly we actually got to meet key decision makers and to have a conversation. This event achieved more benefits than any exhibition we have attended.
I was very impressed with the event, allowing me to meet with a large number of well targeted potential customers over just a couple of days. Being able to meet with 17 companies in one location over just 2 days. If the buyers were willing, it would have taken months to arrange; so it saved money and time and opened opportunities where it may not have been possible before.
I came in very open minded but it really surprised me. 20 minute meetings back to back really helped me to meet a large amount of suppliers and open the window of opportunity in what was really a small space of time and save the hours wasted on meetings that would not be suitable. A real quality base of suppliers can take years to build all in one place and who are keen to work with you. It was a really great event. very useful for me and separately I've actually recommended it to a friend
The main positive regarding this event is that I can hold 20+ meetings in the space of a day and a half instead of losing weeks and valuable time having individual meetings across the country
A very productive and beneficial way of meeting a range of suppliers in a structured and well organised format. As I am inundated with emails and requests for meetings on a daily basis, a direct approach from these suppliers via another route would probably have resulted in a polite 'no thanks'. However, having met them at the event, I understand the potential value these suppliers can bring my business and will be following up with further meetings. The events are pretty intense in terms of meetings, but the format does work well and allows for plenty of informal networking as well.
New contacts within the Foodservice arena. Made some good new contacts within industries we currently do not have a relationship with. The setup and speed, giving the ability to meet a larger number of businesses over 2 days
Meeting clients who were there to learn and had business opportunities. There are good potential opportunities to follow up. It was well organised and well attended with relevant people that allowed us to talk about good opportunities with relevant clients.
A reasonable expectation to earn opportunities to bid for works. Opportunity to network with other professionals pitching to customers with some synergy.
To meet direct with buyers to discuss potential supply. This is a new approach for us. The booklet that we were provided with containing everyones contact details was really useful as means we can approach/get in touch with buyers that we did not get to see or talk to but there could be opportunity.
An extremely useful event that provided very relevant meeting opportunities. The matches were so well put together, I was able to arrange follow up meetings with the Buyers on the day. None of our meetings cancelled. I don't think I have ever been to an event where this is the case, there is usually one or two that cancel or move things around.
Fantastic event that we have attended two years running now. This event is time well spent away from the office and the team really make the experience worth while. I like the pace of the event and the broad spectrum of buyers. It allows us to get to the right person in an organisation without having to spend weeks on research. The pre arranged meetings for us were the most beneficial aspect.
To make companies aware of our full portfolio as most people associate us with office supplies and are not aware that we can offer other categories and become a distributor for all goods not for resale so this event attracted us due to the large number of retailers in attendance. Very organised, meetings pre-set and whole event allows us to meet with so many buyers/companies in two days that would take us so long to achieve.
I believe this type of event is the future and makes exhibitions almost irrelevant. Direct meetings with buyers with immediate needs. To gain new business both immediate and long term This is the second Platform event I have attended and I'm even more impressed second time round. The Platform team ensure you get in front of the people who you need to see. I spoke to many buyers who had the same opinion and were pleased at the level of contacts present. I've already recommended Platform to many contacts. Great event, well organised with just the right amount of fun.
The event was excellent. It was a slick operation with everything running very smoothly. All attendees are there for a sole purpose.....to buy and sell and the event organisers couldn't do enough to help over the two days. A very worthwhile event! A number of potential work opportunities were generated.
I would recommend this well organised event. It deliveries the objective it set out to do - namely putting good companies with good products & services in front of buyers in a well constructed and well run format. Got me out of the office for two days! Meeting a large number of suppliers/potential suppliers within a small time period without having to worry about organising/booking meeting rooms/car parking/organising tea & coffee....... The format was good - 20 mins being a good time limit. Excellent venue. Good literature (book) with reference details to take away. Quality of companies attending and presenting was of a good standard. To meet potential new suppliers and become aware of new products/services on the market. Also to network with industry peers, where possible. Most of the suppliers I met will provide follow up opportunities.
A very worthwhile event, full of passionate people all under one roof, and carefully managed into time slots by the organizers. I was able to concentrate on the suppliers without distraction of my business. Networking, and seeing if there were savings to be made in the business. Most useful Suppliers included; Electrolux Airedale group the tea companies the ice cream companies Medina dairy UCC coffee Godminster
Select niche suppliers in addition to the one attending that can provide a high quality product to luxurious hotels like ours. Chance to meet new suppliers and understand if there are more opportunities. Interest in seeing what the market is offering
An incredibly well organised event, that connected us with a significant number of great suppliers and businesses that otherwise would have taken months to plan and visit. Source new suppliers and Identify opportunities for improvement. Networking. Efficiency of a lot of meetings in a short time period All meetings offered value.
Meet with potential new suppliers and find solutions to some of our challenges. Getting to talk to relevant suppliers who we normally would not have opened dialogue with as we use a nationwide distributor. Some of my most useful Supplier Meetings were with Fentimans, tea pigs, smooothielicious
Looking for new contractors and fresh ideas. Networking with other retailers and contractors. Good event worth attending to meet new contractors and fellow retailers to swap ideas and product services, will attend again. Meet with new contractors and obtain new practices and ideas with hopefully some cost savings along the way
The event was a fantastic way of meeting both new and current suppliers and discovering the new innovation within the market. One of the most useful aspects was understanding how suppliers see their respective markets moving in future and also networking with other buyers to better discover new ways of working.
The format was excellent, giving us just enough time to establish the key information required from suppliers without being too onerous. Some of my most useful Supplier Meetings were with Faithful & Gould, Pearce Signs, Calder, QDS Group, Novus, Epic Painting, Fire Protection Compliance Ltd"
Thanks for a great event, which I found extremely useful to expand my supply base outside of the usual suspects and also picked up a couple of contacts for other stakeholders in my business
Very well organized Event, establishing relationships with suppliers. Meeting a reasonable number of companies in a short period of time. The suppliers most beneficial to me so far were; Agua Fabrics, Fermacell, Astro Lighting Ltd, Kohler, Teka Sanitary Systems S.A, British Ceramic Tile Ltd, HEWI UK LTD, FRAPONT S.A, Grespanaria Portugal (Margres & Love Tiles), Bedrock Tiles, Inox Technical Lighting Ltd
We attended this event looking to enhance and extend our supply chain with new interesting products and services. The event was very well organised and encouraged a good networking environment, that everyone embraced to the full. We found some very interesting suppliers with products that we hope to have the opportunity in using in the future. Lighting Suppliers & Fermacell were very useful - for me. Fermacell was potentially something I will use in the future.
To meet up with specialist suppliers and network with Peers. Location was excellent and size of Event - just the right amount of appointments for 2 day Event. Meeting the suppliers you would be working with and getting accurate product information and pricing structures from them. Networking to see what other companies are doing. I found this Event very well attended and organized. The Design Book was invaluable and the contacts are something I intend to use - even if I didn't get to speak to them at the Event ie. Novograf. It was exhilarating - the time just flew in and the tea and cookies helped to keep going! Most useful Supplier for me included; LSE Lighting, Agua, Spires Art, Aspecta, Balsan, British Ceramic Tile Ltd, Bonwyke Ltd,
A good opportunity to meet with new suppliers on a more intimate scale. To meet my & compare with my peers, source new products. Most useful Supplier for me included; A J Tensile, British Ceramic Tile Ltd & Technical Signs
To meet suppliers that normally, I can't find time to meet. The afternoon and following morning provided me with focused time to meet appropriate new suppliers that will help our business evaluate its future. The added bonus of networking with like-minded Clients and Designers was also very useful. Well organised and well presented and very worthwhile ! Getting to meet suppliers in a structured way, in one location by setting aside dedicated time. Some of the most beneficial suppliers for me so far were, Specifically, I have set up follow on meetings with Agua Fabrics & Novograf .
Network with other FM's within the industry. I also wanted to see what alternative firms are out there and establish what they able to offer us that is different or better than the service we are currently receiving.
An introduction to suppliers not currently on our radar. Time managed meetings. A good mix of facility services. Relaxed atmosphere throughout.
Exposure to additional suppliers that can offer goods and services, outside of current supply chain. Great event, very well organised, with a large variety of excellent suppliers.
Whilst I was reluctant to allocate time to attend this event the time was well spent. To reveiw current opportunities in the market without taking too much time out of my schedule
Being able to meet the various suppliers under controlled conditions. Meet various suppliers and seek opportunities for improved rates and efficiencies
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