Regional Dinner and Supplier Day

A motivational talk by John Nicholl RAF

The BVAA Supplier Day was an exceptionally impressive event where the figures are concerned, with 86 attendees visiting 18 exhibitors.

The day also provided a grand total of 126 one-to-one meetings across 9 hosts which generated some outstanding feedback.

Craig from Rollstud commented: ‘This has possibly been one of the best events I have attended. The opportunities it has generated have been huge.’

Fraser Maitland from Worley Parsons remarked ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to engage with the suppliers, some I’ve never met before. It proves how effective these events can be, with some of these connections now having grown into professional relationships.’

The contacts made at these events have the potential to grow into long-standing partnerships which can last a lifetime. They can additionally provide lucrative opportunities and collaboration which mutally benefits both parties.

The associated BVAA Regional Dinner was also a tremendous success and provided a platform for companies and suppliers to meet, network and connect, with 81 guests in total attending the evening meal.

The guest speaker was John Nichol RAF who delivered an engaging and inspiring talk on overcoming adversity and resilience. Nichol was commissioned as a navigator in December 1986. During the first Gulf War, his squadron was deployed to Muharraq Airfield in Bahrain. Nichol’s first mission entailed flying on an ultra-low-level sortie against Ar Ruma airfield.

His Tornado was critically damaged by a shoulder-launched SAM SA-14, and Nichol and his pilot, John Peters, were captured by Iraqi forces. He was tortured in the Abu Ghraib prison and was released at the end of the War.

Alongside this thought provoking talk by John Nichol, Fraser Maitland from Worley Parons delivered a truly Scottish performance on his bag pipes and in full regalia which as ever went down a treat with all of the delegates in attendance.

Published: 30th May 2019