Construction firms and suppliers across Ireland are being invited to Belfast City Hall on Wednesday, 25 March, to explore extensive procurement pipelines within the Northern Irish public sector. The 'Meet the Buyer' event, a joint initiative between Belfast City Council and InterTradeIreland, aims to bridge the gap between major public bodies and potential contractors from both sides of the border.

A primary focus of the event is the £850 million Belfast Region City Deal, a massive infrastructure and regeneration programme expected to drive significant civil engineering and building work over the coming decade. The session provides a rare opportunity for SMEs and specialist contractors to engage directly with procurement leads from high-profile organisations, including:

• Infrastructure & Utilities: Translink, NI Water, and the Department for Infrastructure.

• Housing & Public Works: NI Housing Executive and Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD).

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• Health & Education: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Education Authority.

• Cross-Border Partners: The Office of Government Procurement (Ireland).

Belfast City Council has highlighted its own success in SME engagement, noting that 85% of its annual procurement spend currently supports small and medium-sized enterprises. Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, noted the council's commitment to refining processes to meet evolving market needs and encouraging firms to tap into both current and future frameworks.

Caroline Sweeney, Trade Manager at InterTradeIreland, emphasised the economic significance of the event in a high-growth environment: "InterTradeIreland connects business to opportunities across the island, and we're delighted to partner with Belfast City Council on the upcoming 'Meet the Buyer' event. With cross-border trade at an all-time high, harnessing the opportunities it presents, is one of the most effective ways to scale and sustain growth. We encourage businesses from Northern Ireland and Ireland to come to Belfast City Hall on 25 March. You can explore the huge potential of cross-border procurement and collaboration, plus tap into support to win public contracts both locally and across the island."

In addition to networking with buyers, attendees will receive practical advice from the Federation of Small Businesses and Belfast Chamber on navigating the tendering process and submitting competitive bids.

Due to the high volume of infrastructure projects currently in the pipeline, places are limited and advanced registration via the Belfast City Council website is required for those looking to secure a foothold in the region's capital project market.