Birmingham 2020 Commonwealth Games organisers are now inviting suppliers to tender for £5 million worth of catering contracts.
Those successful companies will be providing food and drink to thousands of attendees at next summer’s games across multiple locations, including: Alexander Stadium, Sandwell Aquatics Centre, West Park, Sutton Park, Smithfield, St Nicholas Park, Victoria Park, Cannock Chase, and fan zones.
“As the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is a publicly funded event, we are required to comply with public contract regulations in the procurement of goods and services required to support the staging of the Games,” reads the official statement from Birmingham 2022.
Find More Information On Birmingham 2022 Catering Contracts
In the first instance, interested companies should register on the business portal at Find it in Birmingham.
Contracts will be awarded in the summer with the cut-off date for the first tender set as March 29, 2021.
John Crabtree, chairman of the Birmingham 2022 board, said: “These games have always been about providing tangible, transformational opportunities and this is a great demonstration of how real those benefits can be.
“We have a well-earned reputation for delivering incredible food in the city and region and I know there are talented, ambitious, proven suppliers who will be relishing the opportunity to bid for these lots.
“This is about so much more than winning a contract, the successful bidders will provide jobs, training and further opportunities for more people, expanding the positive impact and benefits the games bring.”
The boost for the hospitality and catering sector is expected to support up to 2,000 jobs.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One of the reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the West Midlands was the employment opportunities it would create, and it is brilliant seeing that come to fruition. Whether it is catering or retail, security or IT, the thousands of jobs the Commonwealth Games is creating are coming at a critical time for our region as we look to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. I would urge everyone looking for work or wanting to get involved in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to visit the Birmingham 2022 and see what roles are available.”
Other opportunities for local businesses are also available as the Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games also seek weight-lifting sport equipment, network equipment and delivery services.
Commonwealth Games 2022 Progress Gains Momentum
Plans for next year’s Commonwealth Games have recently been boosted with news that work on the redevelopment of Alexandra Stadium is sprinting ahead.
Since planning permission was granted in January of last year, the demolition of three existing stands has been completed and the site remodelled with steelwork that will form the new West Stand which is now taking shape.
Despite challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the £72.4 million pound scheme remains on budget, say council chiefs, and scheduled for completion in spring 2022 ahead of its use as the venue for the Commonwealth Games athletics competition, as well as the location for the prestigious event’s opening and closing ceremonies.
Kelly Sotherton, Team England’s Track and Field Team Leader for Birmingham 2022, said: “It is fantastic to be able to take a closer look at the progress that has recently been made on the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium.
“I’m impressed with how quickly the new parts of the stadium are taking shape. This is an amazing venue for Birmingham 2022 and I’m sure that athletes from across the country, and around the world, are looking forward to competing during the Games.
“This stadium has long been associated with great events and great athletes and that association can now continue in 2022 and beyond.”
Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, added: “I’m delighted by the significant progress that has been made at the Alexander Stadium in the past few months and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts so far.
“We are on track for the stadium to be a brilliant centrepiece of the Games and a fantastic community facility for many years to come.”