Sandwell to stage Olympic event
Added: (Tue Sep 09 2008)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
The world's eyes might have been on Beijing recently, but in October a slice of the Olympics will be coming to Sandwell.
And if Black Country businesses are quick off they mark, they could tap in to the billions of pounds' worth of investment that London 2012 will bring to the country.
To help firms from Sandwell and the surrounding regions get a head start on the action, a special 2012 Olympics breakfast is being held to help borough companies learn more about the opportunities the Games could bring.
The council's business-boosting finditinsandwell initiative is teaming up with representatives from the Olympic Delivery Authority to stage a free "2012 Olympics Special" Breakfast Club, on October 14 at the Council House in Oldbury.
It is hoped that the early morning gathering will show local businesses how they can access the thousands of contract opportunities that will be generated over the next four years leading up to the London 2012 Games.
The networking breakfast will showcase the business opportunities already up for grabs and will help firms find out how they can get a slice of the Olympic action, winning contracts to give the region's economy a much-needed boost.
Sandwell Council’s purchasing coordinator Steve Massey said: "The 2012 London Olympics is not just about London.
“The Black Country often feels that anything staged in London is not relevant to them.
“However, the October networking breakfast aims to change that perception and encourage local firms to seize the opportunities, bid for the business and bring some of the investment being generated back to the region".
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport Councillor Bob Badham said: "The work generated by London 2012 will benefit businesses of every size and in every sector.
“There will be opportunities in everything from construction, manufacturing, energy and technology through to professional services, hospitality and media, and trickling down into souvenirs and merchandise.
“We aim to help local firms to tap into these opportunities by offering advice and support on the tendering process."
Sandwell Council, through its finditinsandwell initiative, hosts regular free business networking events such as exhibitions, seminars, supplier forums, meet the buyer events and a monthly Breakfast Club.
October's Olympic Breakfast will be the second in a series of themed breakfast meetings and follows on from August's successful Breakfast Club where 114 businesses from the construction sector gathered to network, learn about the borough's new building projects and make new contacts.
At October's breakfast, representatives from the Olympic Delivery Authority will be on hand to talk about some of the current tenders available, demonstrate where to find business opportunities for both large and small companies and introduce and run through the tendering process.
Attendees will also have plenty of time to network with other like-minded business people who will be looking to supply and buy goods and services for their own businesses ... all before the start of the working day.
The finditinsandwell Breakfast Clubs are free to attend and are thought to be the best-attended meetings of their kind in the region. Organisers expect this 2012 Olympics Special to be another packed-out event and are encouraging businesses wishing to attend to book early as places will be limited.
Mr Massey added: "There's no catch, apart from the early morning. In these difficult trading times, we just want to provide every chance for local firms to do more business, supporting Sandwell's economy."
Councillor Badham added: "finditinsandwell is doing a great job of encouraging companies within Sandwell to network and do business.
"The popularity of the breakfast meetings just shows how successful it is proving. October's 2012 Olympics Special Breakfast Club will provide a significant opportunity for Sandwell-based businesses to find out how they might get a slice of the 2012 action, whilst adding value to their organisation".
To sign up to attend the Olympic breakfast or to find out more about Sandwell MBC's regular monthly breakfast meeting, visit www.finditinsandwell.co.uk and log on to the events page or contact the event organiser Steve Massey on 0121 569 2105.
When: Tuesday 14 October, 7-9am
Where: Sandwell Council Chambers, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE
How do I sign up? Email Steve Massey at stephen_massey@sandwell.gov.uk or phone him on 0121 569 2105.