SME Majlis proves a hit for firms

In a first, a speed dating between small and large companies took place at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) recently. Within two hours, 320 introductions were made between large companies and smaller suppliers trying to get business from them. 

Each corporate was assigned its own Majlis (an Arabic style seating area for social gatherings) wherein the SME’s had 10 minutes to pitch their product or service and discuss opportunities. 

On the occasion, Mohammed Almoayyed, Chairman of the SME Committee said: “The SME Majlis is the brainchild of our Committee, in BCCI. We decided that we wanted to do something different and beneficial for small and medium companies instead of bombarding them with lectures and training courses as per the norm.” “This event is our reaction to what the SME’s have been demanding of us: More access to the market, and more business.”

Hamed Fakhro, Vice Chairman, remarked, “Due to the event’s success, this will be the first of an annual tradition, where large companies can give back to the community by doing more business with local firms, as well as explore what new innovations are out there. Most importantly we want to bolster and develop the growth of local Bahraini firms using our local large players to do so.” 

“It’s basic economics; if we support local growth then we help create jobs. Personal financial stability ultimately assists in securing economic and political stability and security for our country,” he added.

The large companies participated in the event include Viva, Zain, BDB (Bahrain Development Bank), GPIC, ASRY, Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros, YK Almoayyed, KPMG, Bahrain Duty Free, BAC (Bahrain Airport Company), Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gulf Hotel, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo WLL.