PREMIER SPRUIKS QLD’S SPORTS EXPERTISE TO THE BRITS
Published Friday, 10 November, 2006 at 09:15 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
LONDON: Premier and Minister for Trade Peter Beattie has signed an agreement to bring Queensland companies closer to an estimated AUS $24 billion in capital infrastructure action in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
“This Statement of Intent with Yorkshire Forward is an exciting deal to improve partnership opportunities on the ground in the UK,” Mr Beattie said.
“As a network of some 270,000 businesses, working with Yorkshire Forward will give Queenslanders a much better shot at getting a foothold in the tough British market as well as winning Olympic business,” he said.
“The Yorkshire region is recognised as the national leader in supporting and benefiting from London's successful 2012 Olympics bid – just as Queensland was for Sydney 2000.
“I’m also delighted to announce that in 2007 there will be a UK trade mission for Queensland businesses to network and learn more about these opportunities.”
Mr Beattie, who is in London as part of a 12-day trade mission to the Middle East and Europe, said of the estimated AUS $24 billion in capital infrastructure for the big sporting events in 2012, 72% would be transport-related and the rest spent on facilities.
“The London Olympics Organising Committee of the Olympic Games is encouraging foreign companies to submit tenders because they recognise this will maximise the likelihood of new and innovative solutions, and value for money,” Mr Beattie said.
“Tenders are being released now, so it’s important Queensland acts now.”
Areas identified by London Games organisers for foreign collaboration include marketing services, sports equipment, venue seating, IT and electronic scoreboards, as well as catering, uniforms and official merchandise.
“Not only are Queenslanders more active in sports than elsewhere in our country but we demonstrated talent both on and off the field,” said the Premier.
“This has given rise to a dynamic industry that has helped produce world-class stadiums such as Stadium Australia in Sydney which was designed by Queensland company HOK Sport Architecture in a joint venture with Bligh Voller.
“Queensland companies have also developed innovative products and services for export right around the world.”
To strengthen the UK partnership, Mr Beattie said a contract has been awarded to identify business openings for Smart State companies and build on the Yorkshire Forward agreement.
Mr Beattie said the Queensland Government has hired mjaMatchpoint Pty Ltd – a Sunshine Coast-based consultancy specialising in major events and sport, headed by Mick Aitken.
“Mr Aitken has a track record in Asia, the UK and Australia and is highly experienced in management, marketing, communications and strategic planning,” Mr Beattie said.
“He was a partner to the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympics Association in the years leading up to Sydney 2000, setting up and managing their hugely successful Preparation and Holding Camps on the Gold Coast.
“More recently he worked closely with the London 2012 bid and he’s currently advising a number of UK regions on how to get the most out of the Games.
“Under the consultancy, mjaMatchpoint will prepare a report on London 2012 and the related regional opportunities. Mick will also lead the Queensland businesses delegation, host London 2012 Export Opportunity seminars, and address promotional events in the UK.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office - 07 3224 4500
“This Statement of Intent with Yorkshire Forward is an exciting deal to improve partnership opportunities on the ground in the UK,” Mr Beattie said.
“As a network of some 270,000 businesses, working with Yorkshire Forward will give Queenslanders a much better shot at getting a foothold in the tough British market as well as winning Olympic business,” he said.
“The Yorkshire region is recognised as the national leader in supporting and benefiting from London's successful 2012 Olympics bid – just as Queensland was for Sydney 2000.
“I’m also delighted to announce that in 2007 there will be a UK trade mission for Queensland businesses to network and learn more about these opportunities.”
Mr Beattie, who is in London as part of a 12-day trade mission to the Middle East and Europe, said of the estimated AUS $24 billion in capital infrastructure for the big sporting events in 2012, 72% would be transport-related and the rest spent on facilities.
“The London Olympics Organising Committee of the Olympic Games is encouraging foreign companies to submit tenders because they recognise this will maximise the likelihood of new and innovative solutions, and value for money,” Mr Beattie said.
“Tenders are being released now, so it’s important Queensland acts now.”
Areas identified by London Games organisers for foreign collaboration include marketing services, sports equipment, venue seating, IT and electronic scoreboards, as well as catering, uniforms and official merchandise.
“Not only are Queenslanders more active in sports than elsewhere in our country but we demonstrated talent both on and off the field,” said the Premier.
“This has given rise to a dynamic industry that has helped produce world-class stadiums such as Stadium Australia in Sydney which was designed by Queensland company HOK Sport Architecture in a joint venture with Bligh Voller.
“Queensland companies have also developed innovative products and services for export right around the world.”
To strengthen the UK partnership, Mr Beattie said a contract has been awarded to identify business openings for Smart State companies and build on the Yorkshire Forward agreement.
Mr Beattie said the Queensland Government has hired mjaMatchpoint Pty Ltd – a Sunshine Coast-based consultancy specialising in major events and sport, headed by Mick Aitken.
“Mr Aitken has a track record in Asia, the UK and Australia and is highly experienced in management, marketing, communications and strategic planning,” Mr Beattie said.
“He was a partner to the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympics Association in the years leading up to Sydney 2000, setting up and managing their hugely successful Preparation and Holding Camps on the Gold Coast.
“More recently he worked closely with the London 2012 bid and he’s currently advising a number of UK regions on how to get the most out of the Games.
“Under the consultancy, mjaMatchpoint will prepare a report on London 2012 and the related regional opportunities. Mick will also lead the Queensland businesses delegation, host London 2012 Export Opportunity seminars, and address promotional events in the UK.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office - 07 3224 4500