BUSINESS giants in Wiltshire had a chance to discover how they can help other companies during a meet the buyer day.

It was the seventh time the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce had held the event and this time companies such as Virgin Mobile, North Wiltshire District Council and Cooper-Avon Tyres gathered at Hartham Park, Corsham, on Thursday.

Chamber manager Stefan Barbaruk said the day presented companies with the ideal opportunity to take advantage of Wiltshire-based suppliers.

He said: "The main aim of this event is to encourage larger companies to use local services and providers."

Each of the big companies gave a shopping list of goods and facilities they require and potential suppliers ticked which ones they could provide.

"The need to gain more potential customers is paramount for the small and medium sized businesses in the region," said Mr Barbaruk.

"The way larger businesses and organisations see the right person has often been seen as a problem, as many of the larger companies already have established suppliers," he said.

"But there is a need for periodic reviews of the market to establish if there are any alternative suppliers based locally, who could offer a new or enhanced service.

Sponsored by Great Western Enterprise and supported by Business Link Wiltshire & Swindon, the event saw suppliers having 15-minute chats with each buyer to explain how they could help.

When the time was up each company had to move on to the next potential customer.

"We invited nine local businesses with a view of participating in what we feel will be an ideal opportunity for members to meet new buyers and contacts," said Mr Barbaruk.

"It went extremely well. We had over 300 appointments. We had 240 appointments on Thursday and the rest will be followed up during an overspill day on April 2.

"Some companies take months to see just four companies but this was an opportunity for them to see nine under one roof."

Mr Barbaruk was pleased Hartham Park, a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion set in 50 acres of garden and parkland, was available for the event.

He said: "Choosing such a venue demonstrates to visiting companies the extent of conference facilities available to them in the area without taking their business out of the area."