Support for The London Resort is proving high in the business sector. Less than a month after launching a register of interest, the London Resort has announced that nearly 2,000 businesses have expressed a desire to become part of the resort’s supply chain.
“We are delighted with the response,” said Andy Martin, Strategy and Communications Director for the London Resort. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see the range of businesses that share our vision to create one of the most exciting, sustainable entertainment destinations in the world.”
Meeting government targets for SMEs
90 percent of registrations have come from SMEs, small and medium-sized enterprises (businesses with under 250 employees). This puts the London Resort in a strong position for meeting the government target of £1 in every £3 spent to come from SMEs.
Around a third of registrations come from the construction industry with the remaining two-thirds coming from a variety of sectors, including logistics, engineering, retail, F&B, security, and creative and entertainment.
“That so many businesses have registered to be part of the procurement process demonstrates the value the London Resort will bring to the southeast, and the country as a whole,” said Tim Aker, Development Manager at the Kent and Medway Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
“FSB members across the region have signed up, and more to follow. It’s an exciting project that will bring jobs and investment as our economy begins to recover.”
Local and national value
30 percent of businesses registered are local – based in Kent and Essex.
The project is expected to create in the region of 48,000 jobs by 2038. Around half of these will come from the surrounding communities of Dartford, Gravesham and Thurrock.
“We are passionate about advancing the skills and careers of local residents and contributing to local economic growth,” says Martin. “We’re particularly encouraged to see so many small and locally based businesses registering.”
He points out that they have also been contacted by global leaders in the industry, demonstrating the project’s wide appeal.
“The Register of Interest is helping us understand the wealth of experience, innovation and dynamism that businesses of all shapes and sizes can bring to this unique project.”
The Resort will need different suppliers at different stages of the process. Obviously design and construction will come first, followed by operational supplier engagement.
Following in the footsteps of Disneyland Paris
The London Resort points out that it will be the first European development of this nature and extent to be built from scratch in nearly 30 years. It promises that a range of businesses will benefit from the £50bn of gross economic activity (GVA) which the Resort will generate in the UK over the initial 25-year period.
It can take heart from the success of Disneyland Paris. A report found that the French theme park added €68bn to the French economy in its first 25 years. Seine-et-Marne, the local region in which the park is located, has benefitted by €22.4bn.
Register of Interest still open
The London Resort Supply Chain Register of Interest remains open. There are opportunities for local, regional and national businesses. Businesses interested in being part of the London Resort’s supply chain should register their interest here.
