Local Businesses Boosted by Kier Construction’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ Event in Seaton Burn

On 24 September, Kier Construction held an engaging ‘Meet the Buyer and Supply Chain’ event at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, aiming to connect with local businesses across the North East. The event, attended by 101 regional businesses, provided an in-depth look at Kier’s ongoing projects and upcoming supply chain opportunities, highlighting subcontracting needs and social value requirements that could open new pathways for local enterprises.

The event also focused on social value, with Kier emphasising the importance of community impact within their projects. To assist businesses in aligning with these goals, Dimitrios Farmakis, along with a team from Northumberland County Council (NCC), attended to offer guidance on developing robust Social Value plans. They highlighted how local contractors could implement key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on generating employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and skill development programs to benefit the North East community.

The NCC’s booth attracted significant attention, with businesses keen to learn about support options available as they prepare their bids. NCC representatives also outlined how training providers and employment support organisations could collaborate with contractors to create new jobs and apprenticeships, supporting a thriving local economy. Additionally, several voluntary and community sector organisations showcased further avenues for businesses to deepen their community engagement and build stronger social value propositions – strengthening their chances of procurement success.

Terry Hanlon, Kier’s Social Value Manager, expressed a commitment to ongoing collaboration with NCC, ensuring that the council’s support services remain accessible to businesses participating in Kier’s future projects. This partnership signifies Kier’s and Northumberland’s commitment to creating sustainable growth in the region.

For businesses eager to contribute to the North East’s social and economic landscape, this event was an invaluable opportunity to gain insights, build networks, and pave the way for impactful partnerships with Kier Construction.