SMEs Connect Buyers Manchester Airport Event, Manchester 2026

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Key Points

• Manchester Airport hosted its annual Meet The Buyers event, welcoming 270 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK.
• The event connected SMEs with over 30 major buyers, including Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Boeing, Airbus, and Swissport.
• Focus areas included aviation, logistics, construction, and sustainable technologies, with emphasis on diverse supplier chains.
• Chris Woodroofe, Manchester Airport MD, highlighted the event’s role in economic recovery and supply chain resilience.
• SMEs engaged in one-to-one meetings, workshops, and networking to secure procurement contracts worth millions.
• Event held on March 25, 2026, at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park.
• Supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local business networks.
• Over 1,000 meetings scheduled, aiming to boost local economy by £50 million in potential deals.
• Emphasis on underrepresented businesses, including ethnic minority-led firms and women-owned enterprises.
• Part of MAG’s Supplier Diversity Programme, promoting inclusivity in procurement.

Manchester (Manchester Mirror) March 27, 2026 – Manchester Airport has welcomed 270 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to its flagship annual Meet The Buyers event, a pivotal gathering that linked local businesses with global aviation giants and procurement leaders. Held on March 25 at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park, the event facilitated over 1,000 pre-arranged meetings, positioning Greater Manchester firms at the forefront of lucrative supply chain opportunities. Organised by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the initiative underscores the region’s ambition to drive economic growth through robust business networking.

What Was the Manchester Airport Meet The Buyers Event?

The Meet The Buyers event served as a cornerstone for SME growth in the North West, drawing participants from sectors like manufacturing, IT, catering, and engineering. As detailed in the primary coverage by Sarah Jenkins of Marketing Stockport, the gathering brought together 270 SMEs with more than 30 prominent buyers, including heavyweights such as Boeing, Airbus, M&S, Mitie, and Swissport.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, opened the event with a keynote address. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Marketing Stockport, Woodroofe stated: “This event is a testament to our commitment to supporting local businesses and diversifying our supply chains. In a post-pandemic world, resilience starts with strong local partnerships.”

The venue buzzed with activity, featuring exhibition stands, speed-networking sessions, and expert workshops on tendering and sustainability. Attendees praised the event’s efficiency, with pre-booked meetings ensuring targeted discussions.

Who Were the Key Buyers and SMEs Involved?

Diversity defined the participant list. Buyers represented a broad spectrum: Manchester Airports Group itself sought suppliers for ground handling and retail; Boeing targeted precision engineering firms; Airbus focused on aerospace components; while Swissport and M&S hunted for logistics and food service providers.

On the SME side, 270 firms hailed predominantly from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cheshire, though some travelled from as far as Scotland and the Midlands. As noted by business reporter Tom Emmerson of Business Live Manchester in a follow-up piece, standout SMEs included ethnic minority-led enterprises like Precision Engineering Ltd from Salford and women-owned catering firm Fresh Bites from Stockport.

Tom Emmerson of Business Live Manchester quoted attendee Aisha Khan, owner of Fresh Bites: “Meeting M&S buyers directly opened doors we couldn’t access otherwise. This could lead to contracts feeding thousands of passengers annually.”

MAG’s Supplier Diversity Programme was central, aiming to increase contracts for underrepresented groups. Rachel Jackson of Insider Media reported that MAG has already awarded £10 million in diverse supplier contracts last year, with goals to double that by 2027.

Why Did Manchester Airport Organise This Event?

The event aligns with MAG’s strategic push for supply chain localisation and sustainability. In an era of global disruptions, from Brexit to geopolitical tensions, airports prioritise reliable local suppliers. As per Sarah Jenkins of Marketing Stockport, the initiative supports the UK government’s levelling up agenda by injecting funds into regional economies.

Economic impact projections are substantial. Event organisers estimated potential deals exceeding £50 million over the coming years, based on past editions where 40% of meetings converted to contracts. Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) backed the event, with Andy Burnham’s office issuing a statement of support.

As covered by Laura Griffiths of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce newsletter, GMCA’s economy lead, councillor Nick Gunn, said: “Events like this turbocharge our local economy, creating jobs and fostering innovation right here in the North.”

How Did SMEs Benefit from One-to-One Meetings?

Pre-scheduled appointments formed the event’s backbone, with each SME securing up to 15 buyer meetings. Workshops covered pitching techniques, ESG compliance, and digital tender portals. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

David Patel, MD of TechLogix Solutions from Bolton, shared his experience. As reported by Tom Emmerson of Business Live Manchester, Patel remarked: “We pitched our AI-driven logistics software to Swissport and walked away with a pilot contract trial. invaluable for a firm like ours.”

Sustainability emerged as a hot topic. Buyers like Airbus demanded net-zero aligned suppliers, prompting sessions on green procurement. MAG highlighted its own £2 billion investment in sustainable aviation fuels, seeking SME partners.

What Makes This Year’s Event Stand Out?

Scale set 2026 apart: 270 SMEs marked a 20% increase from 2025’s 220, per official MAG figures cited by Sarah Jenkins of Marketing Stockport. Hybrid elements, including virtual follow-ups, ensured broader reach amid economic pressures.

Inclusivity shone through. MAG’s programme targets 15% spend with diverse suppliers by 2026. As Rachel Jackson of Insider Media noted, 35% of attending SMEs qualified as diverse-owned, up from 25% last year.

Post-event surveys, referenced in Business Live Manchester, showed 85% of SMEs rating the experience ‘excellent’, with 60% anticipating new business within six months.

When and Where Was the Event Held?

The one-day event unfolded on Thursday, March 25, 2026, at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park – a fitting venue overlooking the runways, symbolising connectivity. From 9am to 4pm, delegates networked amid aircraft displays, blending business with aviation heritage.

Logistics were seamless, with free shuttles from terminals. Capacity exceeded 500 attendees, including buyers, SMEs, and support partners like NW Business Leadership Team.

What Are the Expected Economic Outcomes?

Beyond immediate deals, ripple effects promise job creation. MAG estimates 500 new roles from prior events. As Chris Woodroofe told Sarah Jenkins of Marketing Stockport: “We’re not just buying services; we’re building a resilient Greater Manchester economy.”

GMCA data links such events to £200 million annual SME turnover uplift. With aviation rebounding – Manchester Airport hit 96% pre-pandemic volumes in 2025 – demand surges.

Who Supported the Meet The Buyers Initiative?

Backers included GMCA, Greater Manchester Chamber, and NW Business Leadership Team. Sponsors like Barclays provided pitching coaching. Government ties via the Department for Business and Trade amplified reach.

Laura Griffiths of Greater Manchester Chamber quoted chamber CEO, Neil Carwyn Jones: “This exemplifies collaborative growth, linking SMEs to global opportunities.”