Manufacturers urged to make Olympic torch bid
1 min read
West Midlands' manufacturers are being urged to leave their unique mark on the Olympic Games by bidding for a chance to be involved in the design, development and production of new torches for 2012.
It is anticipated that organising committee for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games will put together an expert team with the Design Council to create the ides for 8000 visionary torches to represent the best of life in the UK and be used as part of the summer relays in two years time.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) says it believes the region's track record for innovation, world class engineering and remarkable ingenuity gives local companies a head start when taking part in the competition.
Roy Pulley (pictured), head of innovation at MAS-WM, said there was a fantastic opportunity for the West Midlands to show its outstanding design and manufacturing strengths.
He continued: "We've got a wealth of skills in the region and, when it comes to producing products that are unique and cutting edge, there is no one better. It's time for our firms to come forward and be part of London 2012 and create new jobs in the process."
Businesses with a track record of creating and producing iconic consumer or industrial products are being encouraged to register their interest on the CompeteFor website (www.competefor.com).
The online 'dating agency' allows for a transparent procurement process and enables businesses to have access to all relevant business opportunities between now and 2012.
The tender site opened to engineers and manufacturers on the 9 August, with the deadline for the first stage being Sunday 22.
"There are few opportunities associated to the Olympic Games that are so suited to the West Midlands and this is one we need to take full advantage of. It's about time we started shouting about how good we are and what we can produce," Pulley said.
"Playing an important part in creating these torches – an iconic symbol of the Games – will put us on the international map and will attract attention from hundreds of millions of people across the globe."
MAS-WM advisers are available on 0845 245 0845 to answer questions any potential bidders may have.
