•Business networking event focused on local jobs for local people
•Construction giants such as Countryside and Barratt London met with Enfield businesses
•100 attendees were given the opportunity to learn about the local supply chain

Local Enfield construction businesses, sole traders and building services providers were given an unparalleled opportunity to meet some of the biggest construction firms in the country at a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event, held at Lee Valley Athletics Centre (10 March).

The business networking event, organised by Enfield Council as part of its Build Enfield campaign, had at its heart a commitment to bring local jobs to local people.

Enfield Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration & Business, Cllr Alan Sitkin, said: “Our objective was to connect people from all across the industry to create a local supply chain.

“This has been a mutually beneficial event – smaller businesses have learned about the opportunities in Enfield and how to connect with some of the biggest names in the construction business. Meanwhile construction giants have been finding out about the vibrant community we have in Enfield and the scope for increasing employment in construction within the borough.

The British construction industry is world-class and we want Enfield to be at the forefront of building developments and employment prospects.”

Nigel Douglas from Secure UK Services, based in Alma Road, Enfield, said: “This event is a great opportunity for local companies to get involved in what are prestigious projects in Enfield.

“It has been fantastic meeting companies today, they have been very engaging and enthusiastic.”

There are a number of exciting opportunities coming to Enfield in the near future, including Enfield Council’s flagship £6 billion Meridian Water project which will see 10,000 new homes and 6,700 new permanent jobs provided in Enfield over the next 20 years.

The Council also estimates that 10,000 construction jobs will be needed to build it over this period and wishes as many of these as possible to be for Enfield residents.

The aim of ‘Meet the Buyer’ was to bring together those interested in new construction related contracts with key developers working in the borough including Barratt London and Countryside Properties, among others.

The event combined formal and informal networking, exhibition stands and plenty of information hubs aimed at marrying up all the different sides of the construction and building business. It was the first of its kind to be held by Enfield Council specifically for this industry and was full to capacity with 100 attendees, representing over 60 businesses.