THE inaugural joint 'Meet the Buyer' event hosted by Trafford, Stockport and Rochdale councils (the STaR procurement partnership) is being held at Stockport Town Hall on June 20.

The event provides the opportunity for local small and medium businesses to book appointments with a range of buyers, to promote their goods and services. With the buyers acting on behalf of some of the largest public sector organisations from across all three boroughs, the importance of this opportunity cannot be overemphasised.

The goods and services required this coming year range from pest control, printing and graphics, power tools, library materials, fixed wire testing, residential care services, fire and securing maintenance and bus stop/shelter route equipment.

Trafford's Council's corporate director of transformation and resources, Joanne Hyde, said: "It is important that procurement teams are able to match their current buying needs with the goods and services offered by local businesses. By having the chance to meet with the companies actively seeking the service they offer, businesses will benefit from a more efficient 'pitching' process."

On the day there will be meetings available with a range of buyers, including STaR Procurement Service, the shared procurement service for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale councils, Solutions SK, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Stockport College, Stockport Homes, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Transport for Greater Manchester.

Businesses interested in attending this event must complete and submit a booking form by May 15.

For more information about the event, including the full list of goods and services required and how to request appointments, visit www.meetthebuyer.org.uk