2007 Buyers Mission feedback

The 2007 event organisation was a collaboration between Mercator Events, organisers of the Seawork Exhibition, and UKT&I South East.

In 2007 buyers came from Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, China, Canada, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy and India. There were over 110 half hour meetings between 35 supplier companies and 8 buyer companies (10 individual buyers). 65% of the suppliers were from the South East and of these, 11 were new to UKT&I South East.

Satisfaction - 92% of respondents were very happy with the event organisation; 76% of respondents said they met their objectives.

Supplier Meeting Outcomes - 35% of respondents said they were asked to quote
84% of respondents said they would have further discussions with the buyers
28% of respondents said they received advice on selling into the buyer's country

Supplier Comments -
"Brilliantly organised and a warm welcome - thank you" - Rory Hunt, Duncan Propellers
"Good quality companies with genuine enquiries" - Martin Jackson, MIT
"Excellent opportunity to meet people who may well have walked past our stand" - David Ayling, Straightpoint (UK)
"Thank you for the opportunity to talk and meet, saving hours of hard work" - Andrew Dale, Red Ensign
"Very good and efficient way of meeting new customers - possible 2 our of 4 for us" - Geoff Taylor, PSM Instrumentation
"Very helpful as you can never meet the buyer at their place of work" - Scott Dawson, Furneaux Riddall
"Good meeting with potential to add a a new overseas customer" - Mel Johnson, G&M Power Plant

Buyer Comments -
"I found many more very interesting high quality suppliers than I expected" - Pedro Otazua, Asteilleros Zamakona Pasaia
"The exhibition is a very good place to exchange information... I believe the event will help more UK suppliers to find overseas customers" - Zhang Haitao, CIESCO
"This is a very good event for Chinese ports to learn more about UK production, which will be important for Chinese Ports" - Du Ming, Tianjin Port Group
"The show provided some valuable contacts which will be further explored" - Tony Fox, Turmot Inc
"A worthwhile event to increase trade between UK and New Zealand" - Peter Busfield, Marine New Zealand