Networking app will link buyers to businesses

The networking app, by sales, advertising and marketing consultancy Little Kanga, will take centre stage at the Meet the Buyer event – a pop up business-to-business event at the Marriott Portsmouth on June 27.

The event is aimed at STEM-based business, facilities management companies, the construction sector, mechanical and electrical companies and contractors, plus SMEs and start-ups which supply the above.

Little Kanga, which is based in Lord Montgomery Way, Portsmouth, worked with Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth and Marriott Hotels (Portsmouth) to come up with the new networking technology.

It will be offered on the day to ensure that attendees are connected to one another and can maximise business introductions.

Becky Lodge, the founder of Little Kanga, said: ‘Meet the Buyer will bring together start-ups, SMEs and corporate companies in one location so that we can create a sustainable and local business life-cycle within Hampshire. The aim is simple – to bring more business to attendees and keep it local.

‘Our app, which is free to download for those who have paid to come along, has been specifically designed to produce more introductions for buyers and potential suppliers, amongst them our key partners and sponsors.

‘Attendees will be able to see how they are matched to others by selecting from in-app drop-down menus.

‘The app allows them to contact a buyer or supplier to ask for an introduction. If they accept the request, you can chat within the app, arrange to meet at the event for coffee or take the discussion offline. Think of it as Tinder for a local business supply chain.’

The event has also partnered with three charities: Brain Tumour Research, EBP South and the Rose Road Association.

Becky added: ‘As a relatively recent start-up I understand the importance of sourcing sub-contractors. The beauty of Meet the Buyer is that it brings together the entire supply chain and offers fast networking connections to quality people who may prove to be a perfect match.

‘Working together not only boosts the local and regional economy, but also creates longer term opportunities for retaining and developing talent.’

For more go to hampshiremtb.co.uk/