Date: 27/03/2007
A major exhibition, for local construction and facilities management businesses, is being hailed a success, after High Peak companies were given the opportunity to take advantage of potential public sector contracting opportunities.
The Boost Your Business exhibition, at Buxton"s Pavilion Gardens last week, attracted more than 60 local firms, which met 30 exhibitors, including public sector procurers, business support agencies and local contractors.
Public sector partners included High Peak Borough Council, High Peak Community Housing, Derbyshire County Council and the University of Derby, Buxton, who jointly hosted the event. This partnership is committed to helping local businesses to take advantage of local contracting opportunities through the Boost Your Business initiative.
Councillor Alan Wells, High Peak Borough"s Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, said: "We want to give local businesses the chance to bid for work we do locally, as it helps recycle public sector spending in the area supporting local businesses, local people and the local economy."
As well as networking with exhibitors and other local businesses, attendees also benefited from a number of informative talks throughout the day, on topics such as working for the public sector; apprenticeships and training; health and safety; and environmental business support.
Andrew Wearden, from Dove Architectural Limited, based at Dove Holes, said: "The Boost Your Business initiative is a really positive move for High Peak construction and facilities management businesses. Through this event, we met with procuring officers and found out how to potentially tender for future public sector contracts. We also made some useful new contacts with other local businesses and found out about the business support services available."
Howden Joinery Company, an exhibitor at the event with local branches at Glossop and Buxton, ran a free prize draw for attendees of a Worktop Jig, which was won by Britannia Woodworking of Dove Holes.
For further information about Boost Your Business, email boostyourbusiness@hpch.co.uk.