London 2012 Set To Boost South East Economy
27 October 2008
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South East businesses are benefiting significantly from the 2012 Olympic Games, after registering with CompeteFor - the chosen website for Games-related contract opportunities, supported by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency.
More than 130 traceable contracts have so far been awarded to businesses across Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Thames Valley, Surrey and Sussex.
From CompeteFor’s inception in April 2008 to date, eight contracts have been won at an estimated total value in excess of £2m. Across the South East a further 78 companies have been shortlisted in their tender for contract process which could generate an estimated total of £6.5m of business in the region.
The free business ‘dating agency’ website acts as a brokerage service between buyers and potential suppliers. More than 39,000 companies have registered nationally for supply chain contracts, with some 650 already having been matched up to provide an estimated £2bn worth of services for the Games.
Sixty three opportunities have been posted on CompeteFor in the past fortnight, and a further 238 are recorded as being ‘in the pipeline.’ Once a company has completed their registration and has been published on the site, they automatically receive news of future tender opportunities and are matched to the buyers.
Contract opportunities span a wide range of sectors including accommodation, business services and consultancy. Communications, construction, education and training, electronics and IT services are also available, as well as engineering and maintenance, equipment hire and supply, leisure, logistics, manufacture, supply and install, media and broadcasting, recruitment, retail, safety, health and environment, utilities and welfare.
Jim Brathwaite, Chairman of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), says: “At this time, this is one of the good news stories for businesses in the South East, who are really seeing the terrific opportunity that 2012 represents.
"CompeteFor is proving to be a powerful tool to unlock the potential for business. The South East is second only to London in terms of registered and published companies, and has already won contracts worth in excess of £2 million. These have gone to both small and large companies across all sectors, and this is only the start, with thousands of contracts worth around £6bn to be awarded by 2012. However, if the region is to realise its potential to make 2012 a world beating success, our companies do need to register and publish on the CompeteFor website."
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) estimates that 75,000 contracts, worth approximately £6bn, are to be won in the lead up to and duration of the Games. ODA Chairman, John Armitt, comments: “We want to work with the best of British business, large and small, to deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games whilst also delivering a lasting legacy.
2It is a challenging project and we are on track. Creating a level playing field to ensure we get the best of business is an important part of this and companies in the South East are showing an encouraging appetite to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity."
Business Link’s Paul Toben, Programme Manager for the London 2012 Games, is enthusiastic about the potential income and opportunities that are available in the South East as a result of the 2012 games and beyond.
Involved in coordinating champions across the South East to support companies in the quest for games related business, Paul has set up a series of Fit2Supply workshops to help companies register on CompeteFor.
"Currently 51 open contract opportunities are listed on the CompeteFor website from all sorts of businesses, ranging from web site design and build to provision of catering equipment," says Paul.
"Supply and fit of suspended ceilings and training provision to supply of hi-viz jackets and safety glasses are also available.
"The potential supply chains seem almost endless at the moment, and we are urging companies in the South East to consider how they can benefit from the contracts that are going to be up for grabs. Our message is don't miss out on your chance to be a part of London 2012 - get Fit2Supply and get involved now!"
Companies seeking a slice of the action should register their business opportunity, as either buyer or supplier, via www.competefor.com
For advice and assistance in registering on CompeteFor, contact your local Business Link on 0845 600 9 006 or email info@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk . Business Link run London 2012 workshops on Bid Writing and Tendering, Fit2supply and Quality Management. To find out when these events are taking place near you go to www.southeast2012events.co.uk.
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