THE latest London 2012 business engagement figures show that SMEs make up over 90% of the 280 companies from the North East registered on CompeteFor – the unique ‘dating agency’ which aims to match businesses with London 2012-related opportunities.
Nearly 30 North East businesses have also been automatically referred through CompeteFor to the local Business Link for business improvement support.
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 Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee (LOCOG) expect to allocate over £6bn of work as part of an estimated 75,000 future business opportunities covering direct contractors and their supply chains over the coming years.
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, a business ‘dating agency’ supported by One NorthEast that matches companies to opportunities supplying London 2012 contractors.
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.
ODA chairman John Armitt 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.”
One NorthEast head of business, enterprise and skills Tim Pain said: “One NorthEast is working with partners to inform companies in the region of the wealth of opportunities the London 2012 Games will bring and I am delighted to see so many firms sign up to the CompeteFor system.
“A number of local businesses are already gaining work through London 2012. I would urge other firms across the region to sign up to CompeteFor to showcase their skills on an international stage and build a strong capacity in the region for any future sporting contracts.”
Heady heady