A Meet the Buyer event held for local businesses to learn more about the work packages available through the construction of the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre has been hailed a success.

Representatives from more than 100 subcontractor and supplier companies in Sandwell and Birmingham attended the recent breakfast event at Portway Lifestyle centre in Oldbury.

It was hosted by main contractors Wates and Sandwell Council and included exhibitions from Wates and Sandwell Council as well as Sandwell Leisure Trust, Black Country LEP, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Construction Line.

Wates outlined the scope of works that will be open to tender – including groundworks, external and landscaping works, mechanical and electrical packages, and internal finishing.

Plans for the leisure facility in Smethwick were approved by Sandwell Council’s planning committee in March and were ratified at Full Council on Tuesday 9 April.

Alison Knight, Sandwell Council’s executive director for neighbourhoods, said: “Sandwell Council is working closely with Wates to ensure that local supply chain companies benefit as much as possible from the wide range of opportunities that will become available throughout this project.

“It was very encouraging to see so many representatives from so many businesses attending, eager to see how they can play a part in what will be an amazing facility for Sandwell.

“Involving these companies has the potential to boost the local economy and local communities by creating jobs and providing training opportunities.”

John Carlin, regional managing director of Wates Construction Midlands, said: “We’ve been working closely with Sandwell Council to develop our construction programme and design for this new state-of-the-art facility.

“This was the next step, providing an opportunity to reach out to local contractors who wish to be part of the team to deliver this modern leisure and aquatics facility and it was fantastic to see so many turn out.

“Based locally ourselves, we understand how local supply chain opportunities can provide significant economic and social benefits to a community, acting as a force for good. We look forward to appointing the wider team and works getting underway soon.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive commented: “The success of the Meet the Buyer event for the Sandwell Aquatics Centre is testament to the commitment of Wates Group and Sandwell Council to keep the pound local. Our frameworks enable local delivery which, for many local authorities, is as important as delivering on time and budget. I am really proud that Scape is involved in accelerating this important project.”

Wates was appointed as the design and construction partner for the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre project via Major Works – UK, part of the Scape National Construction framework.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event. If your Sandwell business wins a contract on the Aquatics Centre, we’d love to share your success on our news page – tell us your good news.  If you missed out, find out how to supply to the council on our procurement opportunities page.