Big Breakfast helps businesses bid for London Games
Kent and Medway businesses are now better placed to bid for contracts linked to the London Games and the public sector generally, thanks to the University of Greenwich at Medway.
The Research & Enterprise team at the university’s School of Engineering has launched a Business Innovation Group (BIG). BIG will hold regular networking and information gathering events to update local companies on business innovation opportunities.
Additionally, BIG events will showcase ways the university can share its facilities and expertise to help Kent and Medway businesses broaden their markets and achieve their goals.
More than 90 guests were welcomed to the BIG breakfast launch at the university campus, at Chatham Maritime, by Professor Tom Barnes, University of Greenwich Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Steve Woodhead, University of Greenwich Director of Research & Enterprise for the School of Engineering, and Tracey Manley, Chief Executive of Thames Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Toben, Business Link Regional Programme Manager, outlined the contract bidding process for the London 2012 Games. He described the work of the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is spending £7.3 billion on delivering the infrastructure including the athletes’ village and stadiums, and the role of LOCOG – the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. LOCOG is responsible for a £2 billion budget to stage the games.
Mr Toben advised business leaders to seek contracts and opportunities through the Business Network one-stop-shop on the www.competefor.com pages of the London Games website at www.london2012.com.
He said that after registering with the website it is advisable to spend time exploring the information available, details of companies which have already successfully bid for contracts, and the range and scope of contracts available. Once businesses have successfully registered and created a profile on the website showcasing their services, email alerts can be enabled to ensure future opportunities are not missed.
He emphasised that businesses aiming to compete for London Games contracts need to prove they are “Fit to Supply” and meet the mandatory requirements for having bids accepted including demonstrating their business credentials and policies.
Mr Toben recommended businesses take advantage of specialist advice from organisations such as Business Link. Advisers would not only ensure companies fulfilled the mandatory requirements to bid for London Games contracts but also offer suggestions on additional policies and business planning tools to help companies differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Tim Allen, Managing Director of MJ Allen Group of Companies, based in Ashford, delivered the keynote address – “A Manufacturer’s Experience of Public Sector Contracts”.
He urged local businesses to take advantage of the current economic climate in which local and national government are keen to buy-in services and products as research showed that outsourced generally resulting in savings of up to 20 per cent.
Mr Allen shared his experience of undertaking a number of successful public sector and defence related contracts. He outlined the importance of exploring contract and tendering information available on such websites as supply2.gov.uk, which is a key supplier route for contracts valued at less than £100,00.
He also stressed the value of the South East Business Portal outlining opportunities available with the region’s 74 local authorities and nine Fire & Rescue Services.
Additionally, he urged businesses to gain recognised status through such programmes as the Contractors Health and Safety Approval Scheme (CHAS) to simplify aspects of the tendering process.
Dr Pal Kulandaivel highlighted the activities of the South East Business Innovation & Growth (SEBIG) and, in particular, the Kent & Medway Innovation Growth Team. SEBIG is aiming to help increase the Gross Value Addition to the region by supporting companies through a tailored mentor and support programme.
Dr Kulandaivel, who organised the event for the University of Greenwich at Medway, said: “BIG promises to add real value to the local business community and the network is being built in association with a range of key local business organisations. These include Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Thames Gateway (Kent) Chamber of Commerce, The Partnership for profit improvement, and SEBIG.
“We are planning a calendar of monthly meetings which will provide advice and information on such topics as bid writing, collaborative development projects, knowledge transfer partnerships and EU funding. In addition, there will be special events focusing on specific sectors such as electronics and engineering.”
Dr Martin Davies, Director of Greenwich Research & Enterprise, concluded the meeting by thanking all the organisers, speakers and guests and urged local businesses to make use of the expertise and facilities available at their local university.
For further information about opportunities and BIG networking events log on to www.big-kent.org.uk or contact Dr Pal Kulandaivel, University of Greenwich Research & Enterprise Business Development Manager, tel: 01634 883912 email: kp32@gre.ac.uk
Ends
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