Chamber member in Olympic journey
19/03/2008
No sooner had the cheers heralding London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics faded away than Bedford-based Newnorth Print Limited began considering what the Games might mean in terms of business potential for their company. Director Mike Seamarks knew there were opportunities for the printing company but at that stage the mechanisms for pursuing them were far from clear.
Initially the company made contact with London 2012, ahead of the formation of LOCOG. Even at this early stage it was apparent to Newnorth that other printing companies were doing work for the campaign and Newnorth wanted a 'slice of the action.' Mike Seamarks started making enquiries and with the help of the Chamber made contact with Lloyd Conaway, Director of Team Beds and Luton, who, with his understanding of business involvement in previous Olympic Games and his involvement in helping pull together the Legacy plan for London 2012, was able to offer Mike some guidance.
Through Lloyd, Mike attended a roadshow in Ely where he was able to discover a little more about the bidding process. Soon Mike's Olympic's business campaign began in earnest as he signed up for information from the East of England Development Agency, registered with LOCOG and scoured the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEC) for information on suitable contracts.
It was through the OJEC that Newnorth spotted an opportunity. The contract consisted of nine lots, five of which Newnorth felt able to bid into with their experience in design, printing, distribution, storage and fulfilment. The bidding process proved arduous with LOCOG requesting detailed information on the company and its policies. Says Mike Seamarks:
'You have to supply as much information as you possibly can, for instance demonstrating that you are in a good financial position or that your environmental credentials are sound. You must ensure you've covered all the bases don't assume anything.'
Newnorth found themselves required to provide information on their financial situation as well as their human resources, equal opportunities and CSR policies to name but a few. Fortunately, the company had all these policies already in place and could boast recognised environmental, quality and sustainability standards as well as Investors in People accreditation.
In addition, Newnorth needed to provide case studies for each area of their business with details of particular customers. The company was able to demonstrate a track record in working successfully with some big names, including the Family Planning Association, Hanson Bricks and the Chartered Institute of Waste Management.
Newnorth are now crossing their fingers as they wait to hear whether they have been successful with their bid. Since those early days, when the company first considered applying for Olympic's work, the company has learned some important lessons. Says Mike Seamarks:
'The key is to get in early and make sure you are ahead of the game. Use networking events and contacts like the Chamber and BOOST to help you access the right information and contacts. Once you are bidding for work make sure you cover all the bases and that you supply all the information requested. Finally, don't be despondent if you fail to win a job as all the information you've collated will be useful if you apply for something else.'
