Member Article

Region benefits from £123m in Olympic contracts

The London 2012 Olympics have generated over £123 million in contracts for the North East, and more businesses are still set to benefit before the games begin next year.

Over the past 2 years, the Compete North East procurement service has provided advice and support to more than 3000 businesses in the region. As well as helping them to win public and private sector contracts for the Olympics 2012, businesses from the region will also be offering their services to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.

Paul Taylor, head of business engagement at Compete North East, said: “So far in 2011 we’ve helped North East businesses secure around £41m worth of contracts. Many of these have been associated with London 2012.

“There are still plenty of opportunities to be an Olympic winner and secure a significant contract, particularly around the torch relay and the football matches being played in Newcastle. Aside from the Olympics there is a steady pipeline of other contracts available to businesses in our region, both in the public and private sector.”

A range of businesses in the region will also benefit, including those working in construction, retail, transport, communication and law.

Speaking about the success of the region’s businesses, Nicki Clark, assistant chief executive of Business & Enterprise Group, said: “The Business & Enterprise Group started the Compete North East service three years ago, and it has proved hugely valuable in helping our region’s businesses successfully vie for business-changing opportunities.

The economic impact for the region is huge as is clearly demonstrated by the figure of £123m, and there are plenty more opportunities available and we will be more than willing to help people secure them.“

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