BUSINESSES in Essex have won nearly �14 million worth of contracts to supply the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The latest figures show 167 contracts have been secured by Essex companies through the CompeteFor website which is co-funded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Will Pope, chair EEDA, said: “London 2012 is already providing a huge boost to the economy of Essex and the wider East of England, with benefits coming before, during and long after the Games.

“We have seen a really positive response from businesses, with over 15,000 now registered on CompeteFor. The fact that so many contracts have been won is a testament to the ambition and quality of businesses in the east.”

With a further �250 million worth of contracts up for grabs in 2011 – ranging from the supply of podiums and costumes, to furniture and professional artists and performers – businesses are being urged to keep bidding.

Business prospects in Essex will be boosted by the region’s close proximity to the Olympic Park site in London and by the fact that the mountain biking event is being held in the county at Hadleigh Farm.

Cllr Stephen Castle, of Essex County Council, said: “I am pleased to see Essex companies utilising CompeteFor and successfully winning new contracts to help deliver the London 2012 Games.

“With 18 months to go, there is still plenty of business to be won from bidding for contracts and benefitting from the 2012 Games being on our doorstep. I urge Essex enterprises to take full advantage of the opportunities the 2012 Games will present.”

One successful Essex company, John Anthony Signs, has been awarded a contract to provide signage around the Olympic Park.

David Fagg, sales and marketing director, said: “It’s a significant opportunity for the firm to be able to provide some of the signage around the park, which will help provide information for spectators coming to the Games and also beyond when the park is used in legacy.

“The CompeteFor website has been a good source of contract opportunities and we anticipate for that to continue as the Games get closer. It was easy to register and replying to subsequent contract opportunities has also been easy to engage with.”

A total of 376 Games related contracts have been won for businesses in the East of England, worth an estimated �53 million.

For information about free workshops on securing Olympic contracts and to register on CompeteFor, visit www.eeda.org.uk/competefor.