LOCAL businesses are gearing up for the return of London Stansted’s popular Meet the Buyers event on Thursday 27 November 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Last year’s event was a huge success, helping local companies secure almost £2.3 million in contracts and future business opportunities.
Organised on behalf of the airport by UMi, the event gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the chance to meet key buyers linked to the airport’s supply chain.
In 2024, 30 major buyers met with hundreds of suppliers from across the region, with firms including LPL Construction, Ampersand Associates and Prolectric landing new deals.
This year, attendees will also be able to explore opportunities linked to the airport’s £1.1 billion transformation project, giving local firms even more ways to benefit from Stansted’s growth.
Marcella MRabety, MAG’s Head of Social Sustainability, said:
“Meet the Buyers is one of the most important events in our calendar because it directly supports local businesses, creates jobs, and ensures the benefits of the airport’s growth are felt across the region. Last year’s results show just how powerful these connections can be, and we’re excited to build on that success in 2025.”
Keith Philips, Commercial Director at Ampersand Associates, said the event has been instrumental in helping his business grow:
“As a local business owner based in Bishop’s Stortford, I’ve seen first-hand how Stansted Airport acts as a powerful engine for our local economy with vast opportunities for local businesses to be involved. The proposed expansion isn’t just about increasing passenger numbers, it’s about unlocking new opportunities for businesses like ours.
“The annual Meet the Buyers event is invaluable for us and we make sure to attend every year. Last year, Ampersand Associates secured around £75,000 of new business and made connections with Tier 1 companies that allowed us to adopt new technologies including 3D scans and GPS data point surveys. More passengers will mean more demand, more partnerships, and more jobs for local people, which can only be a good thing for the community and economy.”
Kieran Fitzgerald, Director of LPL Construction based in Elsenham, highlighted the value of the event in building lasting partnerships:
“For several years, LPL Construction Services has actively engaged with the Meet the Buyers event at Stansted Airport. This ongoing involvement underscores our dedication to building lasting partnerships and contributing positively to the communities we serve. Through our focus on sustainability, we prioritise working with and supporting local businesses, helping to drive responsible growth and long-term community resilience.”
Reflecting on the event’s benefits, Alex Priddle, Head of Marketing at Prolectric, said the event has provided a vital platform to showcase innovative, sustainable technology:
“Participating in the Meet the Buyers event gave us a brilliant platform to showcase our solar-powered alternatives to traditional diesel-fuelled site lighting and generators. With technology that offers clear environmental and cost-saving advantages, it’s vital to make buyers aware these solutions exist and are ready to be adopted.
“Events like this don’t just benefit individual businesses, they help build stronger connections across the wider Stansted network. As a local business owner, I’ve also seen how Stansted Airport plays a key role in driving regional growth. Its expansion isn’t just about more passengers, it’s about creating new opportunities.”
Now in its 24th year, Meet the Buyers is expected to once again draw hundreds of businesses keen to showcase their services and secure new contracts. To register for Meet the Buyers 2025, visit: https://www.stanstedmtb.co.uk/
