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Olympic chairman visits winning Yorkshire and Humber businesses
Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt will meet companies in Yorkshire and Humber who have won contracts for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games when he visits the region this week.
More than 90 companies in Yorkshire and Humber have already secured contracts to deliver goods, services and skills to the Games, and with approximately 1bn of contracts still to be won before the event gets under way, there is still every chance for the region's businesses to profit.
Among those who have done so already are Lytag Ltd and Marshalls, both of whom will host Mr Armitt on Wednesday, February 10 .
Between August and November 2009, Lytag Ltd, from Escrick, supplied the main contractor for the iconic Aquatics Centre with 700 tonnes of LYTAG lightweight aggregate, and it is expected that the York-based business will have supplied a further 1150 tonnes (approximately) by this month.
Andrew Doel, Managing Director of Lytag Ltd, said: "Being involved in such an impressive and prominent project is exciting for Lytag Ltd, and supplying our product for the Games is bringing us some significant business benefits.
"The use of LYTAG LWA for this prestigious project has a positive impact on our bottom line, and once the Games are complete the project will serve as a visible and high-profile demonstration of the capabilities we can offer."
Marshalls, of Halifax, manufacture superior natural stone and innovative concrete hard landscaping products. Marshalls provide the product ranges, design services, technical expertise, ideas and inspiration to transform gardens, drives and public and commercial landscapes.
To date, Marshalls has supplied paving, drainage and street furniture products to the AthletesVillage, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Park and Concourse, among others.
David Sarti, Marshalls Chief Operating Officer, said: "We are very proud to be involved with the 2012 Olympics and Marshalls has secured numerous orders, not just within the main Olympic villages, but also to surrounding areas including infrastructure such as rail networks and bus depots.
"We are particularly pleased to be able to assist in the redevelopment of existing and historic facilities which will leave a legacy of regeneration which will benefit the whole community."
Both companies secured their contracts thanks to CompeteFor, the online 'business dating' website designed, on behalf of England's Regional Development Agencies, to give small and medium-sized businesses the chance to go for contract opportunities arising from the Games.
So far more than 100,000 businesses across the UK have registered on CompeteFor to take advantage of the 5,000 contract opportunities that have been offered, ranging from printing to event management contracts and from training to abseiling services. Around 74% of those contracts have been awarded to SME businesses, and 18% of contracts have gone to businesses with 10 or less staff.
ODA Chairman John Armitt said: "Businesses from Yorkshire and Humberside have already made the most of the golden opportunities that are available to companies across the UK. For example, a Kirkby-based company has supplied some of the structural steelwork for the Aquatic Centre roof and a company from Sheffield has worked on the drainage system for the Basketball Arena.
"While the bulk of the ODA's direct contracts have now been awarded, there are still opportunities through the UK-wide supply chain and with the London Organising Committee. Companies should sign up to CompeteFor, the business website, to be part of a unique opportunity to showcase UK plc to the world."
Jim Farmery, Assistant Director for Business at Yorkshire Forward, said: "While London may see the most obvious physical legacy of the Games, we are determined that Yorkshire and Humber will benefit economically.
"Marshalls and Lytag Ltd are just two of the many companies in the region who have secured contracts relating to the Games, and with many still to come to the market there is time for businesses in Yorkshire and Humber to bid for contracts and play an integral part in the delivery of the greatest sports event on earth."
Julie Gatenby, Manager of Yorkshire Gold, said: "With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games we're talking about new procurement contracts, new jobs and new skills and we're determined that businesses in Yorkshire and Humber and the staff and families they support are fully prepared to take advantage of this opportunity."
Mr Armitt's site visits will follow a conference in the morning at Leeds Town Hall, organised by Yorkshire Gold Business Club, where businesses will be given advice and tips about preparing bids for London 2012 contracts.
Lauren Pigg, Project Manager of the Yorkshire Gold Business Club said: "This is a great opportunity for Yorkshire companies to hear from the Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), John Armitt.
"The need for smaller companies and SME engagement in major projects is crucial. We hope that the event will help to inspire Yorkshire businesses to apply for some of the lucrative contracts that are currently available due to major projects such as London 2012."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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