Local firms could cash in on up to $50 billions worth of potential sports-related business opportunities and jobs in the next decade, according to Invest NI.
Around 40 companies were briefed recently on the potential at an event to launch a unique Guide to International Sporting Events – Supply Chain Opportunities 2012-22 developed by Invest NI to help Northern Ireland businesses identify and understand how they can access sport event related business abroad.
The guide outlines opportunities arising from major events such as:
– World Student Games, Kazan, Russia 2013
– Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2013
– Winter Olympics, Sochi, Russia 2014
– FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014
– Olympics and Paralympics, Rio de Janeiro 2016
– FIFA World Cup, Russia 2018
– FIFA Qatar 2022
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI trade director, commenting on the new guide, said: “The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London have highlighted the tremendous business opportunities for companies across a range of industries including construction and food.
“Encouragingly upwards of 40 local companies, including H&J Martin, Lagan Holdings, Richardson Contracts and Boyd Bedding have won substantial contracts from the Olympics in London.
“The success of these and other local companies led us to develop the new guide as part of our extensive commitment to help to accelerate the growth in exports.
“The FIFA World Cup and the Olympics/Paralympics are now clearly some of the most important investment projects today. Major infrastructure projects are currently being developed, for example, in Brazil to facilitate hosting of both the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics/Paralympics 2016.
“In addition, the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014 has already produced significant business for at least one Northern Ireland company.
“Companies interested in these international events will also be able to count on a range of support from Invest NI. We already have a programme of trade missions lined up for Brazil, Russia and the Arabian Gulf markets.
“Significant support, including financial, is available to help them to take part in major international exhibitions that organisers of the forthcoming sporting events are likely to attend.
“Furthermore, we have a network of experienced trade advisers in all the markets involved who will advise, guide and work with our companies across a range of activities including lead generation, business procedures and translation services. Companies are also able to access the vast range of professional services provides internationally through UK Trade and Investment.
“We want to build on the success experienced by a number of companies in the London 2012 Olympics/Paralympics by providing assistance to more of our businesses to benefit from the huge opportunities now developing in Brazil, Russia and the Middle East from their focus on sporting events.”