We’re here to raise awareness of the project, and to speak first-hand with suppliers of all different types and all different sizes to understand where they see the opportunities, and what we can do to support them so that they can be in the best possible position to win work on the project.

We really need to engage with the supply chain – the Tier 1s, the Tier 2s, the Tier 3s and also the SMEs seeking to be involved in delivering the government’s major infrastructure projects.

It’s really important for us to come and say what we want to say to the sector but also to listen to what people have to say to us. I’ve had a really great experience here today.

The difference in this event is the types of business and industries. You’ve got Midlands Connect which is huge – we represent the whole region, and then you’ve got some very small SMEs, and giving them an idea of what’s going on in the wider world is invaluable to them.

It’s really important that we get the message across to supply chain companies how we can help them. The industry works very much around networking and bringing clients and suppliers together. That’s what we very much focus on and it’s very much what UKIS is about.

The benefit of having buyers and suppliers together at events like today is to have all that knowledge in one room, relationship building, because there’s no better alternative than meeting people in the flesh and exchanging views.

It’s a great place to find out about new projects, to meet suppliers and buyers that you wouldn’t otherwise have a relationship with, to find out about new technology and innovation in the sector, and to find out about how you can become involved.

I found out quite a lot of very useful information to help our company grow and expand business opportunities.

There’s such an interest in the event, I’ve not had a minute to take a breath because people want to talk to you all the time, and that’s a really good sign.