Introduction
We’re seeing increasing focus on the importance of strong supplier relationships across the facilities sector as we start off the year. With our upcoming Facilities Platform event around the corner, conversations with attendees are centring on smarter procurement and how the right partnerships can support long-term success.
Facilities Focus
This year, our Facilities Platform returns on the 12th & 13th March at the InterContinental London, O2 Hotel.
Suppliers who are providers of facilities management services, maintenance solutions, energy management, security, HVAC, drainage, and more will be looking to connect with these buyers across the two-day event. Each attendee will spend their time working through a personalised schedule of one-to-one meetings with companies who are relevant to them.
Our 14th facilities management & estates platform event will welcome more than 75% new buyer companies, including heads of property and estates, group FM leads, and procurement leaders. We have a strict event policy ensuring at least 70% of the buyers attending each year are new. This allows us to keep the event highly relevant and productive for our supplier partners.
With over 35 product categories being covered across facilities management & estates this time around, we’re looking forward to receiving the feedback on how well-matched our attendees found their meetings, and how the business partnerships move forward in the coming months.
Attendee feedback: partnerships that deliver results
One of the strongest themes we hear from attendees is how the Platform format supports smarter procurement decisions and long-term supplier relationships. Feedback from last year’s Facilities Platform highlights the tangible commercial impact of these meetings.
Case study: From meeting to major contract
Following connections made at our 2024 Facilities Platform event, Nationwide Air Conditioning secured a £1 million order from a buyer they met through the event. Their team highlights the value of direct, face-to-face conversations with decision-makers, allowing them to accelerate trust and move quickly from introduction to commercial partnership.
A returning buyer from Whitbread shared that they typically engage further with around 50% of suppliers they meet at the event, going on to contract with 2–5 new partners within six months. They estimate that approximately 15% of their current supply base has been sourced through Platform events, with many relationships continuing long-term.
“The personal connections are absolutely invaluable compared to just searching for a supplier online. We made several valuable contacts that we intend to follow up with in the coming months.”
– Buyer attendee
What’s next for Platform
We’re kicking off 2026 with our upcoming Facilities Platform in March, followed by Catering Platform in July and Projects Platform in December – each designed to connect decision-makers with suppliers through targeted, one-to-one meetings.
Catering Platform (July)
Bringing together buyers across foodservice and hospitality with suppliers of food, drink, equipment and operational solutions: from ingredients and technology to packaging and service innovation.
Projects Platform (December)
Connecting project leaders, architects and procurement professionals with suppliers of construction materials, design solutions, sustainability services and specialist installations across commercial and public sectors.
Registrations are open now for all 2026 events. If you’d like to attend or simply learn more about how our platforms work, you can register your interest on our website and our team will share further details.