Local Businesses Keep London Moving

The event, delivered by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in partnership with Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), gave buyers and suppliers the unique chance to connect and build business relationships, with over 100 meetings taking place between buyers and potential future suppliers.

Speaking at the event Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, Alderman William Leathem, said: “Building on the success of our ambitious investment programme, the council was delighted to introduce the owner and operator of one of Europe’s largest integrated transport networks, TfL to local businesses, so they could learn more about what TfL looks for in its supply chain.  This buyer engagement event was the result of the Council meeting with Transport for London at its annual business and networking event in Westminster last April.

“The fact that both Ryobi and Lisburn-based Camlin Group also committed to the event demonstrates their desire to grow their supply chain with businesses based in Northern Ireland.  It was encouraging to see 17 businesses based in Lisburn Castlereagh taking time to come along and pursue any opportunities that are right for their business.  The Council’s Business Solutions Team is committed to helping local SMEs grow their business and this event was a great chance for them to get on board with future procurement opportunities.”

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of NI Chamber, said: “Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry was delighted to work with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to deliver this buyer engagement event with Transport for London. Our members also appreciated the opportunity to meet with buyers from local firms including Camlin Group and Ryobi who reiterated their desire to grow their supply chain locally. The event also enabled those in attendance to network and develop links with each other and I look forward to seeing the results of this in due course.”

David Wylie, Chief Procurement Officer at TfL, said:  “It was fantastic to meet local suppliers at this event in Lisburn, so that they could learn more about our procurement requirements and the opportunities coming up in our supply chain. By working with us, all of our suppliers play a vital role in keeping London moving and driving economic growth across the UK.”

The Buyer Engagement Event focussed on supply opportunities available in the following areas such as estimating, contract management, signalling, rolling stock, engineering consultancy, legal services, vehicles and advertising. Attendees also had the chance to learn about the procurement requirements for TfL, Ryobi and Camlin Group.