London businesses set to benefit from the Growth Hub Meet the Buyer events

London's small and medium-sized businesses are set to benefit from a brand new programme of Meet the Buyer events taking place in the capital over the next 12 months.

The programme is funded by the London Growth Hub and delivered by Enterprise Nation.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that start-ups and SMEs face significant challenges to engage with large corporates and public sector buyers to introduce and sell their products. Often SMEs don't know how to access potential buyers and through this project we are aiming to help SMEs access corporates and public sector markets.

Evidence suggests pitching sessions like these can be transformational to smaller firms, not only by improving their bottom lines but also by raising awareness of their products and services.

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: "Making sales is one of the most important elements of running a successful business. But smaller firms can really struggle to get access to top buyers from larger brands - and indeed from government.

"This programme aims to provide smaller companies a platform to do exactly that, offering events with buyers with budgets, that are only open to the small business community. The reality is, buyers are genuinely interested in the quality, authenticity and innovation smaller firms can offer - and we know they are willing to strike deals.

"This is not just pie in the sky, this is happening and small firms need to get a piece of the action."

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business, said: "Over the last year, the London Growth Hub has developed a range of innovative projects to support London's start-ups and SMEs.

"With the fantastic new Meet the Buyer initiative, we're aiming to help businesses access new markets so they have even more opportunities to grow. The programme will also add value by improving skills and helping companies win important contracts."

The Meet the Buyer project is free to access and will kick off in September.

It will include support on how to pitch effectively and manage an ongoing contract. There will also be sector-specific events for food and drink producers, fashion, beauty, public sector and clean tech entrepreneurs.

To register your interest, go to this page.