South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

South East 2012 Conference for business A unique chance to meet Olympic Delivery Authority buyers

South East 2012 Conference & Exhibition
Thursday 11th June, Ramada Hotel, Maidstone, Kent

Release date: 12 May 2009

Bookings are open for a free Conference which will highlight the business opportunities around 2012 for small and medium sized firms (SMEs). Delegates will learn about the contracts available and how to bid for them. Around 75,000 business contracts are expected to be generated for supply chains serving the main 2012 contractors.

SMEs are encouraged to bid for these contracts as Business Link 2012 Manager, Paul Toben, explains:

"We expect the majority of contracts for SMEs to be let over the next 24 months so if you want to be in the right place at the right time, get down to the South East 2012 conference to network and get advice from those already involved."

SEEDA Chief Executive, Pam Alexander, who will speak at the event, adds:

"There are huge opportunities from London 2012 for the South East’s diverse businesses. Contracts already awarded to the region’s SMEs range from pest control to event booking and from archaeology research to design and print services. I hope many companies will come to the Maidstone event to meet Procurement Managers involved in 2012 and other public sector contracts, and understand their tender requirements. Business Link Advisers will be available to support firms who want to register on the contract database, CompeteFor.com and produce the pre-requisite policies."

London 2012 is expected to generate contracts for many different products and services offered by SMEs, including translators, caterers, engineers, security services, legal services and many more.

Speakers at the Conference will include:

• John Armitt, Chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA);
• Pam Alexander, SEEDA Chief Executive;
• Morag Stuart, ODA Head of Procurement;
• Giles Long, world paralympic swimming gold medallist; and
• official LOCOG sponsor and Tier Three supplier Airwaves.

Presentations will focus on supply chain opportunities over the next six months as well as the construction of the Olympic Park.

One to one meetings can be booked in advance with the ODA procurement team, International Trade Advisers from UKTI, Skills & Training advisers and Local Authority Procurement Officers. Business Link will be running Bid Writing Workshops.

Online registrations are now open for this free conference, or contact Business Link on tel: 01732 878555.

To find out more about support with bidding for London 2012 contracts please call Business Link Advisers on 0845 600 9 006.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Francesca Fogell, Business Link Regional PR Executive
Tel: 01483 713343
Email: francesca.fogell@businesslinksurrey.co.uk

Notes to editors:
Business Opportunities for 2012

• 14 contracts won by South East companies though CompeteFor
• 11,066 South East companies now registered on CompeteFor
• 46% of these companies have completed their full profile, met the mandatory requirements and are searchable by buyers or companies looking for consortia partners.
• 145 South East businesses have won direct contracts with the Olympic Delivery Authority. Information is available at www.london2012.com.business and look at the ‘ODA Suppliers’ section.

About Business Link
Business Link is a national business information, advice and support service, delivered in the South East the six Business Link Providers. Business Link is dedicated to helping businesses and budding entrepreneurs develop and progress by ensuring they can quickly and easily locate and benefit from the broadest range of public, private and voluntary business support services.

The South East’s six providers of Business Link services cover Berkshire; Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; Kent; Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire; Surrey; and Sussex respectively.

Business Link’s free business review will help business owners to assess opportunities and issues in the current market. The review will help you:

• Manage financial risk and protect cash flow
• Maximise sales opportunities (including opportunities to market your business free of charge –supplier matching service)
• Link you into networking opportunities

SEEDA is the Government funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England – the driving force of the UK’s economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding out natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.

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