Construction industry businesses discover new opportunities in West Wales

Hundreds of businesses in the construction industry attended an event at Llanelli’s Parc Y Scarlets to find out about the major opportunities available to them.
More than 300 delegates from across the region went along to find out more about various forthcoming projects that they could be a part of.
More than £132 million worth of projects have been awarded amongst the 23 contractors on the Framework since February 2016, with a further £188 million worth of projects in the pipeline.
The Contractors Framework is used for the delivery of construction and associated services across the Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot council areas. Carmarthenshire County Council leads the Framework on behalf of the partner authorities.
The event brought the Framework contractors, potential sub-contractors and supporting organisations together, allowing them to network and discuss future business opportunities.
The morning session showcased a variety of trade exhibitors, whilst the afternoon session focused on workshops to support businesses to get the most out of their contracts, including advice on community benefits requirements.
One of the delegates Malcolm Corbett from Bridgend-based Shillibiers said “This was one of the best events I’ve been to.”
Keith Treharne from BAM Construction Ltd said: “The event provided an opportunity to improve our understanding of the clients’ requirements, plus an opportunity to engage with potential supply chain partners who we currently don't know well. The event provided a large number of new potential subcontractors and suppliers. Following the event, we will further investigate these potential opportunities.”
Cllr David Jenkins, the council’s Executive Board Member for Resources, said: “This event was a huge success and reached out to hundreds of local suppliers within the South West Wales region. It was a great opportunity to engage informally with major contractors, local small and medium-sized enterprises, buyers and business support organisations. I hope that this event will be the start of a prosperous journey for many local businesses which of course will be good news for the local economy.”