Dodds encourages local firms to bid for valuable London 2012 contracts

Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds is in London today to highlight the procurement opportunities for Northern Ireland firms to bid for valuable contracts associated with the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Speaking ahead of his visit to the Olympic Park Site in London, the Minister said: “The London 2012 Olympic Games provides Northern Ireland companies with a once in a lifetime opportunity to bid for valuable contracts.

“Invest NI has carried out a number of activities with local companies to promote available opportunities. These include the launch in April 2008 of the London 2012 Business Network and CompeteFor web portal for 2012 related opportunities”.

In addition to being able to bid for work using the CompeteFor service, local companies can also use the new eSourcingNI tendering system launched by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) in May 2008. This tool will allow potential suppliers to register their company details online along with the types of services they supply.

Mr Dodds continued: “Over 700 Northern Ireland businesses have already registered on the CompeteFor portal, putting themselves in the position to win work with London 2012 and their contractors.

“However, with thousands of opportunities projected over the next two to three years, I would strongly urge all local firms, in particular small and medium sized enterprises, to bid for supply chain contracts by making use of the eSourcingNI tendering system and the CompeteFor web portal.

“It is encouraging to learn that three Northern Ireland companies have already won work directly with the Olympic Delivery Authority. For example, Lagan Construction has been awarded a contract to build a key footbridge from the Olympic Stadium to the Aquatics Centre. However, many more will have the opportunity of working with the Olympic Delivery Authority’s contractors.

“These appointments prove that local construction firms have the expertise and capability to challenge for and win work beyond Northern Ireland’s shores, bringing additional benefit to our economy”.

Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Chairman John Armitt said: "We want to work with the best companies to deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games. Companies of all sizes from right across the rest of the UK have already won work directly with the ODA but these represent the tip of the iceberg of opportunities available. While we still have contracts left to place, the bulk of opportunities are now through our contractors and the supply chain. The London 2012 Business Network is helping companies access this work and I strongly encourage companies to register on Compete for the opportunity to help deliver this once in a lifetime project.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The eSourcingNI tendering system (launched by CPD in May 2008) provides opportunities for local firms to access procurement opportunities outside Northern Ireland. Users can access £80billion worth of contracts including London 2012.
2. The CPD website has a link to the CompeteFor web portal.
3. The CompeteFor website was launched by Invest NI in April 2008 as part of the London 2012 Business Network. This portal is open to all NI businesses and is specifically designed to support SMEs to bid for valuable supply chain contracts for London 2012.
4. The portal matches companies to thousands of opportunities to supply London 2012 contractors. Local companies can register their profiles on the website for consideration by buyers in the supply chain.
5. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7278 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.