THE regional arm of the manufacturers' organization EEF has launched a special Business Club dedicated to helping local companies maximise the potential business benefits from the 2012 London Olympics.

THE regional arm of the manufacturers' organization EEF has launched a special Business Club dedicated to helping local companies maximise the potential business benefits from the 2012 London Olympics.

Caroline Gumble, director of EEF East Anglia, chaired the inaugural meeting of interested companies at EEF offices in Hadleigh, with Jody Chatterjee, director business east at the East of England Development Agency giving a presentation about the potential impact of the games locally.

Mr Chatterjee said that, out of an estimated £3.8 billion worth of business opportunities, the eastern region could expect to secure a 5% to 10% share - representing a gross value of up to £300 million.

And he said the benefits would not only involve massive contracts and large players but should also include plenty of opportunities for smaller businesses to benefit further down the supply chain.

Manufactured goods and manufacturing services will be required for every aspect of the Olympics - from building components to fixtures and fittings, from fast food equipment to official merchandise, from uniforms to sports equipment.

However, Mr Chatterjee said that if companies in the region were to gain the maximum advantage from the games, it was vital for them to be prepared, to understand the procurement process and how best to promote their products and services.

This is where the new 2012 Business Club aims to help, enabling members to share contacts and experiences and work together to maximise success through forming networks and establishing collaborative working to tender for larger contracts.

Steve Shefford of Trane (UK) Ltd in Colchester, which manufacturers of air conditioning and air handling equipment, was among the EEF members at the inaugural the meeting.

He said: “We see the 2012 Olympics as a major opportunity for our Essex-manufactured equipment to provide fully conditioned air in many types of buildings and venues - working in conjunction with our UK Refrigeration and Building Automated Systems divisions.

“We are actively involved with architects, design consultants, builders and installers advising on equipment selection in line with current and future building legislation during the building design and construction phases.”

Anne Rivett of Helmsman, the Bury St Edmunds-based manufacturer of changing room fittings, including lockers and cubicles, said: “We are actively seeking work from the Olympics.

“In preparation, we have reinforced our commercial contracts department through training and improved business processes, and it is working throughout the UK to ensure that our products are well understood by all architects and specifiers involved.

“We have launched new products, both for leisure changing rooms and for the control of access to stadia and leisure areas, and are working hard to keep abreast of all Olympic news and plans - not only in London but across the UK - as the whole country prepares its leisure facilities for training athletes and visiting teams.”

Karen Plummer of Pilot Drilling Control Ltd of Lowestoft, a supplier to a variety of industries, added: “Although not actively involved yet in the games, we see opportunities to provide manufacturing and engineering services but need to identify the companies issuing such work.”

The 2012 Business Club is open and free to EEF members and other interested local companies. To take part, contact Caroline Gumble, director, EEF East Anglia, 32 High Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk. IP7 5AP, telephone 01473 827894 or email carolinegumble@eef-eastang.org.uk .