TWI Frequently asked questions
by John Weston
One of the traditional ways of finding business to business ('B2B') suppliers has been through hardcopy, published trade directories such as 'Kompass' and 'Kellys'. More recently, the Internet has provided an excellent way offinding suppliers for particular services. Both Kompass and Kellys now have powerful websites for finding suppliers.
Trade organisations and associations, such as the Association of Welding Distributors (AWD), the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU), and the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), can also be useful sources of information.
A third route to suppliers is through the UK's Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) such as the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), and TWI. Technologists in RTOs often hold very useful lists of suppliers relevant to their areas of activity.
