WDC to Promote Opportunities of 2012 London Olympics to SMEs in Western Region.

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has joined forces with the Irish International Business Network (IIBN) to inform small and medium businesses in the Western Region about the business opportunities open to them from the 2012 London Olympics.

Joanne Grehan of the WDC said, “LookWest.ie, the definitive online guide to living, working and doing business in Ireland's Western Region, has recognised the 2012 potential for Irish businesses so we have teamed up with IIBN to spread the message to Irish businesses.  The Irish Community is the largest ethnic group in the UK and they have a strong reputation for creativity, innovation, professionalism and hard work.  The Olympic Games will involve 7,000 direct contracts and 75,000 supply chain contracts so there are lots of opportunities and we wanted to let small and medium sized businesses in the Western Region know about them.”

“2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many in the SME sector.  IIBN is absolutely thrilled to be involved with the 2012 initiative and to have the pleasure of working with partner business networks and organisations such as the WDC to spread the positive message about the real business opportunities out there.  We have assembled a team of experts to help Irish businesses win 2012 opportunities and we hope that these businesses will grasp the chance to participate’, said Mary Frawley of the 2012 IIBN workshops.

Ms Grehan added, “There are less than 1,000 days to go to the 2012 Olympics so now is a good time for businesses and individuals to investigate the prospects.  For example, during November and December contracts for artists and performers for major events, security equipment, security contractors, services including graphic design, translation, public relations, building controls, technology, transport and logistics will be tendered.

“For western businesses – both those who are based here and those who have a base in the UK – who want to apply for contracts they should go to www.competefor.com to create an account.  Once the account is created, the next very important step is to publish their account profile.  They can then start to apply for 2012 contracts.”

Ms Grehan concluded, “There are definite opportunities for businesses from Ireland’s western region.  For example, seven of the major construction contracts awarded by the Olympic Delivery Authority went to Irish firms, while at the other end of the scale, almost three-quarters of the 2010 contracts awarded to date have been to firms where the workforce was between 1 and 10 employees, so there could be real openings for small businesses.  Given the creativity of the Western Region and the large number of businesses who are located here and serve international markets, this is perhaps a new angle for small and medium businesses in the western region that could deliver a world wide audience and significant opportunities to develop their business.”

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