Last updated at 10:51, Thursday, 03 January 2013

Left to right front row – John Knox EOSCP with some of the Laing O’Rourke team: Steven Kinninmonth, Project Leader, Simon Fry, Procurement Manager, Ken Thompson and Fraser Hynds from Crown House Technologies (part of Laing O’Rouke Group) Back Caroline Gray Corporate Responsibility; Alyn Wilkinson Senior Quantity Surveyor; Callum McGhee Quantity Surveyor and Gillian Smith Buyer.

Cumbrian businesses got the chance to meet firm behind the £90 million project to redevelop the West Cumberland Hospital.

The latest Energy Opportunity Supply Chain (EOSCP) event, saw 40 potential contractors taking up the opportunity to meet with Laing O’Rourke.

The event included key presentations around the hospital contract from Steven Kinninmonth, Project Leader and Simon Fry, Procurement Manger from Laing O’Rourke.

Attendees were also treated to a virtual ‘flythrough’ of the plans, using the latest digital technology to illustrate the scope of the project.

Ken Thompson and Fraser Hynds, Project Managers from Crown House Technologies (part of the Laing O’Rourke Group), who supply the Mechanical and Electrical Services also outlined key areas where work packages could suit local trade contractors.

The Laing O’Rourke team were keen to reinforce their commitment to employing local firms and highlighted that 79 per cent of the procurement spend for the £3m refurbishment of a mental health unit on site, handed over in May 2012, was completed by local trade contractors.

Steven Kinninmonth, Project Leader said “This was our first project focused supply chain opportunity event and we have made some excellent contacts. Our ‘work packages,’ that formed the focus of the presentation, have been designed to allow smaller local trade contractors the opportunity to work with us. We know from past experience that local people have great pride in work on their doorstep – a passion we need to tap into.”

At its peak, the West Cumbria Hospital contract will see circa 400 people employed on site at the peak in October 2013.

John Knox from EOSCP said: “This contract is good news for West Cumbria but it is just the start. We anticipate that the relationship with Laing O’Rourke will continue to develop as the project progresses and other opportunities are sought in the area.

“We are also keen to work with other main contractors new to West Cumbria, to help them access our experienced, talented and competent supply chain.”

To find out more about the Hospital Contract or for details of the presentation, visit the EOSCP
website at www.eoscp.co.uk or contact Britain’s Energy Coast on 01900 65656.

First published at 10:41, Thursday, 03 January 2013
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com