FIRMS across Wessex have united in a bid to keep hundreds of thousands of pounds of business in the area.

The businesses turned out for a Meet the Buyer day organised by the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce.

Eight large organisations were asked to identify their business needs in the hope the association could match their requirements with the capability of nearby firms.

The initiative ensures small and medium sized suppliers have the chance to take advantage of contracts by being given the chance to meet buyers from large firms.

Another day will be held in April to meet the high demand for places.

Association manager Stefan Barbaruk said: "The list of requirements went out to our 1,000 members who were asked to come forward if they could help.

"Between the two days there will have been more than 300 appointments of 15 minutes each for the firms with local suppliers.

He said thousands of pounds of business is lost from the area because firms often do not realise what the area has to offer.

"The whole objective is to encourage businesses to trade locally before they go to Birmingham, Newcastle or London. Often people do not know what is here.

"An example of this is that we were asked to find a carpet manufacturer for one firm, which we thought might be tricky, but it turned out there is one in Corsham.

"We cannot guarantee contracts will happen, but at least we can facilitate the chance of an introduction."

The event was held in the Civic Hall, Trowbridge, on Tuesday.

The eight organisations taking part were: the Southern Ambulance College; Ministry of Defence; University of Bath; Trelleborg Auto-motive; shop fitters Railston; hotel group Latona Leisure; Linpac Rotational Mouldings; and JW Singer of Frome.

Airsprung, Southern Ambulance College and the MOD will be attending the overspill day next month.