Meet the Buyer event hailed a resounding success

The Shropshire Constructing Excellence event showcased projects in the pipeline for Shropshire, including the regeneration of Shrewsbury’s Riverside and the Station Quarter development in Telford, and the opportunities available for sub-contractors to get involved.

It also included support for subcontractors and supply-chain businesses on the process for procurement and offered key networking opportunities for the sector.

Mark Barrow, chair of Constructing Excellence Midlands Shropshire Club (SCE), said the event at Telford College had given the sector a huge boost.

“This event was a resounding success, and it was clear from the sheer volume of attendees that local businesses have a real interest in wanting to help deliver on the multi-billion-pound pipeline of projects planned for Shropshire. They clearly want to play their role in helping to shape the future landscape of the region.

“Bringing together sub-contractors and supply chain businesses with leading contractors and public sector procurement teams in this way is a fantastic way to ensure we continue to strengthen the sector, the local economy and forge new relationships which bring jobs and training opportunities for local people.

“The expo-style Meet the Buyer event gave attendees the chance to talk to contractors and gain a better understanding of timescales for projects, scale of opportunity and the process for bidding for work and it is clear from early feedback from the sector found this hugely beneficial.”

Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Lovell, McPhillips, Pave Aways, SWG Group, IHP, JN Bentley and Shropshire Homes were among the list of contractors in attendance.

As well as meeting buyers, those attending also learned from Lovell Partnerships how they can increase their chances of winning work by improving the social value they contribute to construction schemes.

Delegates also received an update on the Building Safety Act from Shropshire-based Safety For.

Telford is the fastest-growing town in the West Midlands, and the Station Quarter is just one of the major infrastructure projects planned for the next decade. Made up of commercial, residential and education space – including a new sixth form for Telford College.

Shropshire Council has a range of projects in the pipeline or already being delivered – these include the transformation of the Riverside area of Shrewsbury, a new roundabout and railway bridge on the A49 at Craven Arms, and town centre improvements and the Oswestry Innovation Park.

For more information on the Constructing Excellence Midlands - Shropshire Club and to keep up to date with future events visit cemidlands.org/clubs/shropshire/