Meet The Buyer

Recognising the vital role that suppliers and SMEs play in supporting the education sector in Northern Ireland, Procure4Education Northern Ireland is proud to introduce a dedicated Meet the Buyer programme, designed to foster meaningful connections and open new opportunities for collaboration.

This hub will facilitate direct engagement with key education sector procurement teams from our partners Education Authority Northern Ireland and others. Registered suppliers will be able to schedule one-to-one appointments with senior buyers, offering valuable insights into current priorities, future procurement needs, and how to align with institutional goals.

Meet the Buyer is a unique opportunity to speak directly with influential decision-makers and position your organisation within Northern Ireland’s £1bn education procurement landscape.

Details on how to book your 1-2-1 appointments with participating organisations will be shared with all registered delegates ahead of the event.

Our partners Education Authority Northern Ireland will have representatives from the following categories attending on the day;
  • Business Services and Products
  • Catering
  • Educational Resources
  • Facilities Management and Maintenance
  • Furniture and Equipment
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Transport
  • Construction
Ulster University invested around £66M in procurement over the past year, covering construction, technology, and professional services. Key projects include the £34.8M Teaching and Student Centre in Derry Londonderry and a £10.5M electricity supply contract, alongside awards for consultancy, IT systems, and branded merchandise—highlighting the university’s focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) manages billions in public sector procurement each year, delivering over £3.6 billion in commercial benefits through its frameworks. By leveraging collective buying power, CCS secures average savings of more than 10% and promotes SME participation, with £2.3 billion awarded to smaller businesses.
Queen’s University Belfast invests around £200–250 million annually in procurement to support research, education, and operational excellence. The university manages contracts across sectors such as laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and professional services, while promoting ethical and sustainable practices through its Supply Chain Code of Conduct.
The North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC) supports 24 universities in the Northwest of England through over 100 compliant frameworks. Its annual procurement activity covers ICT, estates, furniture, laboratory equipment, and professional services, with contract values often reaching tens of millions of pounds. NWUPC focuses on delivering value for money, sustainability, and compliance, enabling members to achieve cost-effective and responsible purchasing.

Our partners Education Authority Northern Ireland will have representatives from the following categories attending on the day;

  • Business Services and Products
  • Catering
  • Educational Resources
  • Facilities Management and Maintenance
  • Furniture and Equipment
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Transport
  • Construction

Our partner University of Ulster will have representatives from category specialists on the day. Further details coming soon.