The UK catering sector could capitalise on the arrival of The 2014 Ryder Cup in Scotland after Ryder Cup Europe launched its official procurement portal with contracts in a number of different categories.
The 2014 Ryder Cup procurement process will be hosted on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website and includes contract opportunities including security; transport; merchandising; catering and food supplies; waste management; barriers; fencing; telecommunications; portable offices; and other infrastructure-related areas.
Edward Kitson, match director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious events and we are looking for suppliers whose products and services will enable us to create a truly memorable occasion at Gleneagles in 2014.
“The direct contracts we will offer and the associated benefits through the supply chain will provide a boost to businesses across the country.”
Ryder Cup Europe expects that around 5,000 people will be employed on projects directly related to the event, with many more likely to benefit through its supply chain.
The PCS portal has 60,000 businesses already registered and Ryder Cup Europe is encouraging companies to use the portal to ensure they hear about new contract opportunities.
Contracts will appear online gradually and will reflect the categories already available to existing registered businesses on PCS, ensuring as many potential suppliers as possible are aware of the different Ryder Cup opportunities.
Kitson added: “The PCS portal will streamline our procurement processes, we would love to hear from local suppliers who feel they have the right product quality and business infrastructure to become involved with the event.”
The Ryder Cup procurement portal is a joint initiative between Ryder Cup Europe, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. It is the first time that a series of private contracts will be available through what has been a public sector portal, and could pave the way for more private sector engagement with PCS.
Ryder Cup Europe expects to attract more than 250,000 spectators to Gleneagles in September 2014, Ryder Cup contracts will be awarded over the next 18 months and organisers expect the first contract to be awarded within the next three months.