Member Article

North East cashing in on London 2012

Over 90% of the North East companies using a special London 2012 business ‘dating service’ are SMEs, according to figures released last week. The latest London 2012 business engagement figures show that nearly all of the 280 North East companies using the ‘CompeteFor’ service are small businesses.

Five companies in the North East have already supplied the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), and an additional four organisations have branches in the region involved in supplying the ODA. Many more have been supplying the ODA’s contractors.

The ‘London 2012 Business Network’, which can be accessed at www.london2012.com/business, provides information about London 2012 related business and events and links to the ‘CompeteFor’ service. Up to a fifth of London 2012 supply chain opportunities are expected to go through the CompeteFor system.

North East companies that have been working directly with the ODA include local architects FaulknerBrowns, who are currently designing the Olympic canoe slalom course facilities building. They are also designers of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy which has been selected as the venue for the London 2012 Olympic sailing events.

John Armitt, ODA Chairman, said: “We want to work with the best of businesses in the North East, large and small, to deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a lasting legacy. It 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 North East are showing an encouraging appetite to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

For further information about CompeteFor, visit www.competefor.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .