20 February 2014

Coventry City Council has joined forces with the construction/engineering company, Costain, and the Chamber of Commerce, to provide opportunities for local businesses with regard to major road building projects.

A full-day 'drop in' event will be held next week for local businesses to find out more about the type of suppliers Costain will want as well as opportunities for apprenticeships and careers.

Costain secured the contract with Coventry City Council to build the £12.6 million grant funded bridge deck at junction 6 of the City's ring road as well as the new access bridge off the A46 into the Jaguar business park in Whitley.  Costain has committed to support local suppliers and will be working with the Council’s shared apprenticeship scheme to provide apprenticeship opportunities on site.

Small and Medium enterprises are invited to attend the 'drop in' session and potentially work alongside Coventry City Council and Costain to deliver parts of these major projects.

Councillor Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment, said: “It's great that these two major projects are about to start. But it's the extra value they can deliver for local business that's really exciting. We want everyone we work with to 'think local' first and that's exactly what Costain is doing here.  I know local firms have the right skills and although I know Costain can't let all of their contracts to Coventry firms, we have been clear that we expect them to work with local companies where they can.

"The bridge deck and Whitley bridge projects provide an excellent opportunity for small and medium sized businesses operating in the Coventry area to work with Costain as the principal contractor, as well as providing opportunities for employment and apprentices.”

The Federation of Small Businesses and the Forum for Construction Excellence (FORCE) will also be promoting the event.  The event is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Regional Growth Fund.

Sarah Thomas, Assistant Supply Chain Manager for Costain, said: “We are making good progress in the Midlands with major projects already secured such as the bridge deck, Whitley Junction, and on the M42.

“We have the potential to win further work in the area and our intention is to fulfil our commitment to local procurement and employment. We need to identify companies and suppliers that will work us and help drive these major projects to a safe, timely and cost effective conclusion at the same time creating jobs and developing training opportunities.”

 

 

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