114 North West companies strike London 2012 gold

MORE than one hundred companies from across the North West have successfully competed for contracts linked to the London 2012 games.

Figures released today show that 114 North West businesses have so far been successful in winning 165 business contracts linked to the next Olympic games.

The companies achieved their success by signing up to London 2012’s online ‘business dating’ service called CompeteFor which was launched in Manchester in January 2008. In total, 5,575 North West businesses have now registered on the service.

As well as winning direct contracts, North West businesses have had major success in securing London 2012 supply chain opportunities. In Bolton, Ascot Doors was recently awarded 12 separate contracts to supply and maintain high security doors for the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre at the Olympic Park.

Danny Powell, Ascot Doors’ national sales manager, said: “Registering on CompeteFor was relatively easy to do and the Media Centre is a significant contract for us.”

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is working to ensure that regional businesses win work leading up to, during and after the 2012 Games.

Mark Hughes, NWDA executive director of economic development, said: “Long term preparation and being in condition is the key to business success so it’s excellent to see so many North West businesses equipping themselves to compete for London 2012 contract opportunities. These latest figures are great news for the region, particularly in the current economic climate where it has never been more important for companies to explore opportunities which safeguard jobs and make their business stronger.”

Other North West businesses securing games-related contracts are: Bolton-based Watson Steel (5 contracts won), Stretford firm Icopal (2 contracts won) and Merseyside company Speedy Hire (2 contracts won).

Businesses interested in benefiting from London 2012 opportunities can find more information and sign up to CompeteFor at www.competefor.com .