Over a hundred attend business briefing for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

More than 100 local businesses attended a Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games briefing at Sixways Stadium today (19 September 2019), to hear about how they could benefit from the largest sporting and cultural event ever to be held in the West Midlands region.

The event, which was hosted by Worcestershire County Council’s programme, FinditinWorcestershire, included a networking breakfast and presentations from Ian Reid, the Organising Committee’s CEO and Nigel Hudson, Head of Economy and Infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council.

Those attending the event were given practical advice on how to apply for Games related projects and opportunities including capital projects like the Athletes Village, Alexander Stadium and Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

There were contracting insights from previous Games and businesses were encouraged to register on the new Birmingham 2022 Business Portal - birmingham2022.com/businessportal – which was launched in November 2018. This website will advertise all available Games contracts, with the majority of contracts being available closer to the event.

A number of local suppliers supported the event by exhibiting. Exhibit Interactive located in Evesham, showcased its emerging technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality, mixed reality and multi-touch, alongside Pershore-based, Phil Day Sports - a leading sports turf contractor and specialist in the sports amenity sector. Others included Brightest Bulb, DTR Hygiene, Evodia and Signal Traffic Management.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member Responsible for Economy and Infrastructure welcomed attendees and later said:” The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 will offer the region a huge opportunity for residents to enjoy the best of sport of many types.

“At the County Council we also recognise it can be a huge boost to our economy, especially if we can host teams for training and visitors in our tourist facilities. I am sure that thousands of Worcestershire residents will be keen to attend the Games and many will want to help by volunteering too.”

More information about the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which will be staged from 27 July to 7 August - twenty years after the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games and ten years on from the London 2012 Olympic Games - can be found at birmingham2022.com.