Ninety-six 1-to-1s

1-to-1 meetings, Suppliers Day

During the Supplier Day element, BVAA facilitated 96 one-to-one meetings between some of the industry’s major OEMs and the association’s suppliermembers, meetings that most probably would not have occurred otherwise.

There were many more interactions as part of the adjoining desktop exhibition with 17 supplier members displaying their wares and services.

Essentially speed dates, the one-to-ones allowed suppliers and OEMs to check out each others’ purchasing/supply opportunities in a series of swift, 15-minute meetings. OEM-host Andy Bradbury (Severn) commented, ‘we picked up a couple of possible suppliers and touched base with old ones.’ A new member noted it was a ‘very positive experience, and well worth the expense and time.’

BVAA Director Rob Bartlett added, ‘I was delighted that Simon Weston went down so well with members, but even more so with the positivity shown by members when it came to the Supplier Day concept. As an industry we cannot reasonably expect our customers to meet with us via our own Desktops, if we ourselves are not prepared to meet with our suppliers in a similar vein. There is a very definite “win/win” opportunity and everyone involved deserves praise for their fortitude, but I think Severn Glocon, Parker Hannifin, Weir, KT Hydraulics, Crane, Koso Kent Introl, Rotork and Alco Valves deserve special mention for their open-mindedness and we are especially grateful for their participation as hosts.’

Published: 22nd March 2018