Marlborough Highways would like to thank all those that attended its Meet the Buyer event at Wanstead Golf Club in East London on 6 September 2022. Well received by suppliers, it provided companies in the highways industry with the opportunity to showcase their innovative and sustainable products to a captive audience. A round of golf in support of Mind immediately followed the networking session, with the unpredictable weather failing to dampen the spirits of players who, with a matched funding pledge from Marlborough, raised £2,800 for the mental health charity.
Returning for its second edition, it was the first major supplier day to be hosted by Marlborough since the end of Covid restrictions, giving guests the opportunity to exhibit their products face-to-face in a social setting after more than two years of virtual events. The session, which was free to attend, had a strong emphasis on eco-friendly services, which can provide solutions to the environmental challenges that confront the sector. Key decisionmakers enjoyed productive meetings with local organisations that are based in the London boroughs in which Marlborough serves, although the team were also delighted to welcome those from further afield, with representatives from across England in attendance.
With more than 50 guests at the event, the day included breakfast, a buffet lunch, and featured multi-media presentations from Marlborough, Eurovia, Clee Hill, Aggregate Industries, Eugene Harrington Marketing (EHM), CC Infrastructure Services, Roadtechs Group, and the Asphalt Group. After the talks, the delegation took part in a networking afternoon, giving attendees the chance to build on existing relationships and to establish new ones, through informal one-to-one meetings at supplier tables.
Samantha Lester of CC Infrastructure Services said, “Marlborough have hosted a brilliant event; it has provided us with a good opportunity to exhibit our pioneering surface rejuvenation and industrial coating products, while making some great connections. We are already looking forward to the next one.”
Lynn Roberts of Pudsey Diamond Engineering added, “Today was fantastic, it allowed us to better understand Marlborough’s business and to explain how our quality engineering solutions can help the organisation to operate more sustainably and more cost-effectively.”
In line with Marlborough’s approach to social values, delegates were invited to a complementary charity golf match following the Meet the Buyer event. Guests enjoyed a relaxed game on the historic 18-hole, par 69 course, with players donating £1,400 to the company’s chosen charity Mind. After the event, Marlborough matched the value, bringing the total amount to £2,800. Prizes were awarded to the best golfers, with Bill Smart of Foster Contracting named the Individual Stapleford Winner, while Tony Williams of Eugene Harrington Marketing was given the accolade for playing the Longest Drive.
Jack Dighton, Strategic and Supply Chain Procurement Manager at Marlborough Highways said, “Our Meet the Buyer Event and Charity Golf Day was a huge success. The occasion allowed us to thank existing industry partners and helped us to establish valuable new relationships as we grow and diversify our increasingly sustainable supply chain. It was wonderful to meet in person again, and I would like to thank everyone that exhibited and to all those that donated to Mind.”