Big wins for region’s businesses

MORE than £123m of business has been won by North East businesses thanks to help from a dedicated service, and there are more contracts available. 

Compete North East helps the region’s businesses win public and private sector contracts, including those associated with London 2012 and the Commonwealth Games, and says there are still contracts to be awarded for the Olympic Games.

Since it was launched in 2010 the procurement service has offered advice to more than 3,000 of businesses and helped secure £123m of business.  It helps companies to identify opportunities and advises them through the tendering process. Compete North East is also the primary source of support for any business wanting to register on CompeteFor.

Paul Taylor, head of business engagement at Compete North East, said: “So far in 2011 we’ve helped North East businesses secure around £41m worth of contracts. Many of these have been associated with London 2012.

“There are still plenty of opportunities to be an Olympic winner and secure a significant contract, particularly around the torch relay and the football matches being played in Newcastle. Aside from the Olympics there is a steady pipeline of other contracts available to businesses in our region, both in the public and private sector.”

The region has been a real Olympic success story.  North East companies working in construction, retail, transport, communications, professional services, law, clothing supply and many other sectors have all successfully bid for and won Olympic contracts.

Speaking about the success of the region’s businesses, Nicki Clark,  assistant chief executive of Business & Enterprise Group, said:  “the Business & Enterprise Group started the Compete North East service three years ago. It’s proved hugely valuable in helping our region’s businesses successfully vie for business-changing opportunities.

“The economic impact for the region is huge as is clearly demonstrated by the figure of £123m. There are plenty more opportunities available and we will be more than willing to help people secure them.”

Publish by: amy.watson on December 14, 2011