SMMT runs a number of Meet the Buyer style events, each aimed at helping buyers meet suppliers that fit their particular needs at any point during their purchasing cycle.
The events are regularly used by organisations of all shapes and sizes to find new suppliers, connect with old ones or to lay the foundations for future partnerships.
SMMT has a strong track record of delivering value through these events to both buyers and suppliers, with events always being oversubscribed.
SMMT’s Meet the Buyer matches automotive buyers with suppliers to develop meaningful business connections during this key period of recovery and transition.
Format for the day
Alongside the 1-1 buyer supplier meetings, the event will also include:
A plenary session
Exhibitions
Facilitated networking
Seminars and workshops
Key areas of interest
SMMT aims to recruit as many automotive buyers and suppliers to the event, to deliver as much value as possible to the sector. Buyers across ALL commodity areas of interest are welcome, including those responsible for components and capabilities in the following areas:
Batteries and energy storage
Power electronics
Motors and electric machines
Infotainment and connectivity
Sensors and autonomy
Please contact us at meetthebuyer@smmt.co.uk if you or your company would like to take part in Meet the Buyer as buyers in 2025.
How to take part
Step 1 – Express your interest
Express your interest as either a buyer or supplier on behalf of your company, through the Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF).
Please note, only one expression of interest is required per company.
Step 2 – Register your event attendance and exhibit
Once you have expressed your interest as per step 1, you will need to register your attendance and any colleagues who will be joining you. You can also purchase exhibition space, this can be done through ASF. If you do not complete this registration step, your company will not be put forward.
There is an event fee of £250 + VAT for non-SMMT member companies. This event is free for SMMT members.
Please note: SMMT recommend no more than 2 people per supplier company attend meetings due to room size.
If you are a non-member company and would like to find out the costs and benefits and why over 800 companies choose SMMT membership, please contact memberservices@smmt.co.uk.
Please ensure your ASF profile is up-to-date and as accurate as possible. This information will be used by the buyers to choose which suppliers to meet, so ensure your Meet the Buyer profile stands out.
Please do the following:
Select which buyer companies you would like to meet with
Attach yourself to the product categories which you can supply
These product categories will be updated with buyer companies as they are added to the event. The commodities requested by buyers will be announced in April 2025, following this all commodities will be added to the product categories list in ASF and available to link to.
Step 4 – Meeting Matching and On the Day Meetings
During the matching period, buyers will review all suppliers who have expressed interest and select suppliers of interest to meet with. If successful, you will receive an email notification via ASF of the buyer company and the meeting time, you must then accept or decline the meeting. All requests automatically expire after 5 days if not accepted.
All attending companies can request an on-the-day meeting with each of the buyer companies. Once at the event, there will be a QR code available to submit your company for on-the-day meetings, if successful you will be contacted by phone by 2:30pm to confirm.
Key Dates
Key Dates
Stage
Opening Date
Closing Date
Expressions of Interest Period
21/01/2025
01/05/2025
Event Registration Period
21/01/2025
25/05/2025
Buyer Commodities Lists Announced
03/03/2025
25/05/2025
Meeting Matching Period
01/05/2025
22/05/2025
Meet the Buyer – Event Day
04/06/2025
04/06/2025
2024 Buyers
Questions
For more information, please contact meetthebuyer@smmt.co.uk, or find frequently asked questions about Meet the Buyer process here.