BUSINESSES struggling during the recession can meet 30 of Waltham Forest’s biggest suppliers to find out what skills and services they need.

Companies such as Google, East London Businesses and Supply London will be on hand to offer businesses advice at an event called Meet the Big Buyer, which is being run by the council.

Cllr Terry Wheeler, investment and enterprise cabinet member, said: “Times are tough for all of us at the moment.

“The council is well aware that many of the borough’s smaller businesses may be finding it particularly difficult to cope during the recession.

“We’ve put together a range of measures to help local businesses during the economic downturn and this event is just one of them.

“The aim is to help local businesses match their skills and services to those larger buyers and suppliers are searching for.

“By doing this we should not only help the borough’s businesses weather the economic storm but also improve the borough’s economy in the long-term.”

Research last month found that small businesses in Waltham Forest are coping better than most during the recession.

According to a survey of 89 businesses, conducted by Business Link in London, 77 per cent said the recession has had a significant impact.

However, 78 per cent are still optimistic about the future and 47 per cent say they still plan to expand next year.

Meet the Big Buyer takes place at Chingford Assembly Hall in Station Road, between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday, September 16.