Business Support from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG)

 
Following lobbying by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) WAG have prepared some material for print and pdf which gives information for SMEs on what they have on offer with regard to business support.  They are available in both English & Welsh by clicking on the following websites:

business.wales.gov.uk/economicrenewal

busnes.cymru.gov.uk/adnewyddureconomi

Crossrail Welcomes Welsh Suppliers

The Crossrail programme offers unprecedented procurement opportunities, with a major addition to the London transport network, and an estimated £16 billion of procurement opportunities being made available.

What’s Being Procured?
With such a long and diverse supply chain there’ll be thousands of contracts and in the field of construction and engineering these will cover tunnels, portals, shaft works, piling, diaphragm walling, ticket halls, mechanical / electrical, fit out, plant hire etc.

When?
Enabling works and demolition started during 2009 while main construction started this year.  The first tunnelling works are due to commence in late 2011.

How?
Crossrail will be directly buying and managing a relatively small number of contracts with Tier 1 suppliers or contractors. They, in turn, will be buying a wide variety of services and works from a large number of smaller suppliers and contractors.  Many Tier 1 contractors have already been appointed, including the likes of Arup, Atkins, Capita Symonds, Mott MacDonald and Scott Wilson.

The Welsh Assembly Government is equally committed to making sure that Wales based companies are successful at winning Crossrail contracts and events are being planned to promote Welsh suppliers to Crossrail and Tier 1 contractors.  To confirm your interest in attending one of these events, and for a list of all the up and coming contracts please e-mail ledwards@venturewales.com

In the meantime further information on the Crossrail programme can be found at http://www.crossrail.co.uk/

Construction Opportunities on Heads of The Valleys Road - Brynmawr to Tredegar

Carillion Civil Engineering are undertaking the above contract. The project will not be going onto site until later in 2012, however Carillion are extremely committed to sourcing and developing a strong Welsh Supply Chain and have asked Construct Wales to facilitate a meet the buyer event at this early stage, taking place in the Heads of the Valleys Area on Tuesday 15th of February 2011.

Please note that applications will be given priority by location - priority being given initially to local companies that is those based in Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly & Powys, Next will be companies in other areas of South East Wales with opportunities for more specialist activities being sourced throughout Wales.

The types of sub contractors we are hopeful of being able to source at this event include:-
Formwork & Reinforcement Precast Drainage Elements (Headwall)
Block Paving Kerbs & Edgings
Fencing - (Non Safety) Environmental Barriers
Landscaping Street Lighting
Masonry Facing Mastic Jointing
Waste Disposal Security
Road Marking Office Cleaning
Signage Drains - Surveys & Cleaning
Property Surveys Vehicle Recovery
Drainage Progress Photographs
Site Clearance

Please note that these events will be restricted to invitation only so if you are interested in attending or want to discuss this free of charge event please contact Stuart Brisbane or Gwenda Lewis on 02920 444 730 or e-mail cwevents@enterprise.uk.com by 5pm on Friday 28th of January 2011.

Swansea Bay Business Awards

Just a quick look back the Swansea Bay Business Awards on Friday 26th November.  The evening itself went very well, and the local Swansea Bay Branch of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) was able to sponsor an award in the category of Most Promising New Business.  The worthy winner was Cross Flow Energy Company, developers of a cheaper, longer lasting and eco friendly new turbine - well deserved.

BBC Drama Village - Roath Basin Cardiff

Potential new Business Opportunity

Vinci Construction PLC are undertaking the contract to construct a new BBC Drama production Village at Roath Basin Cardiff, where shows including Dr.Who, Torchwood and Casualty will be filmed.
The works comprise approximately 197,425 sf gross area with a net internal area of 167,590 st, to be constructed to a BREEAM excellent standard.
In addition to the building component, the contract also comprises associated infrastructure works including a new spine roadway, service routes drainage and an outer lock bridge to connect Roath Basin with Cardiff bay and deliver the main services to site.

Vinci remain enthusiastic in delivering on their goals of social and corporate responsibility and following on from similar successful events have again requested that Construct Wales facilitate a meet the buyer Event with a view to offering a chance for a range of smaller local contractors to become involved in this project.
Please note that applications will be given priority by location - priority being given initially to companies based in North & South Butetown, Grangetown & Splott. Next will be companies within Cardiff with opportunities for more specialist activities being sourced throughout Wales.
The types of sub contractors we are hopeful of being able to source at this event include :-

Large Feature Timber Hoarding with Associated Artworks
Signage - External Finger post Signs
External Bespoke - Steel and Timber Benches
Carpentry - Skirting and Cills
Laminated Vanity Units
Decoration
Sand Cement screeds
Ceramic Tiling
Mirrors
Bespoke Reception Desk
Air Test to Building
Soft Flooring
White Lining
Blinds

This is your opportunity to present your company with a view to winning new business, and making a connection with a major Contractor.
The event will be taking place in the Roath Basin Area on Thursday 13th January 2011
Please note that these events will be restricted to invitation only and that in order to gain an appointment you must initially have completed and returned the expression of interest document by 5pm on Wednesday 22nd December 2010.
If you are interested in attending or want to discuss this free of charge event please contact Stuart Brisbane or Gwenda Lewis on 02920 444 730. Or e-mail cwevents@enterprise.uk.com to receive the qualification documentation.

Sell 2 Wales Workshop