The latest Supply Connect Meet the Buyer event brought together ambitious food and drink brands to connect with leading buyers, distributors and wholesalers.
Supply Connect is a national initiative, delivered by Newable Advice and Enterprise Nation, and supported by JPMorganChase, that opens public and private sector supply chain opportunities for small and micro businesses, in the food & drink, construction and facilities management sectors.
For many small businesses, breaking into new markets starts with finding the right buyer. Our Meet the Buyer events help businesses showcase their products, gain valuable industry insights and build relationships with key decision-makers across the sector.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for businesses to make these connections. Attendees connected with buyers and distribution partners from organisations including DELLI, Diverse Fine Foods, North Parade AB and Suma. Businesses also benefited from expert branding support from Lever Street and Toothsome through our Procurement Club.
Where conversations turn into opportunities
Newable Advice welcomed 52 businesses, facilitated 87 buyer meetings and generated countless new opportunities for participating businesses.
The Meet the Buyer event opened doors that had previously seemed out of reach. Sofia Cardoso, founder of CHIMMY’S, had been wanting to connect with a buyer at Brakes. The event enabled her to meet the right person and she has since been invited to share further information about her products.
“If we manage to open an account with Brakes, it will represent a huge step forward for CHIMMY’S and could have a significant impact on our growth.”
The event also helped businesses strengthen existing relationships. Raminder, founder of Period Harmony, was able to continue conversations with Suma, one of the UK’s largest wholefood wholesalers, building on connections made through the wider Supply Connect programme.
“Supply Connect has been essential in helping us scale, providing the support and connections to turn conversations into meaningful commercial opportunities.”
With direct access to buyers, expert support and meaningful networking opportunities, the event demonstrates the power of connecting growing businesses with the people who can help accelerate their growth.
Beyond making introductions, the event gave founders the chance to gain valuable feedback directly from buyers. The team behind Alchemy said the conversations helped them better understand what retailers and distributors are looking for and left them feeling more confident about pursuing future wholesale opportunities.
“We came away feeling much clearer and more confident about how we position Alchemy for future wholesale opportunities.”
As the success stories emerging from the day demonstrate, a single conversation can be the start of a significant new opportunity.
Supply Connect empowers growing businesses
Supply Connect continues to provide the support, expertise and supply chain opportunities across food & drink, construction and facilities management, to turn conversations into commercial success.
Public sector contracts aren’t just for the big players. With the government actively encouraging SMEs to take part, your business could be exactly what buyers are looking for.
Supply Connect is open to eligible UK-registered micro and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have been trading for at least 18 months and operate in food & drink, construction or facilities management.
Register now to expand your business.
You can meet the team at our an upcoming Meet the Buyer event: Meet the Buyer: Procurex Wales 2026 – 11 November 2026, Cardiff.