Long-term future of jobs secured in the race for 2012 deals

So far 43 companies have won direct contracts to supply the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), with around 200 in total in the region securing work connected to the event.

They include York-based Portakabin and Sheffield firm Fullflow. Corus in Scunthorpe are also producing the steel for the gateway to the Olympic Park.

County Turf, based near Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire, has successfully completed a contract to provide turf for the Olympic Stadium.

Managing director Andy Fraser said: “The contract has been excellent news for County Turf as we have been able to safeguard existing jobs in a crucial time where the bulk of our business that is based in the building and housing markets has seen a large decline.

“Without specialist projects, such as the Olympic contract, redundancies would have been inevitable. Instead we can retain our experienced and dedicated staff for the ongoing benefit of the company for the medium to long term.”

Prestons of Potto, based in Northallerton, successfully completed a contract to transport 1,500 vehicle loads of structural steelwork to the Olympic site to form the framework of the main stadium, athletes village and media centre.

Managing director David Preston said the business has more than 250 employees and redundancies would have been inevitable without the deal.

“At a time when economic conditions were causing volumes to drop particularly in the construction sector, it brought great stability, “ he said.

“This allowed us to safeguard employment and maintain our business. Without it we would have had to reduce our workforce and asset base.”

Pickering-based firm That Company Called If will supply Olympic bookmarks as souvenirs.

Marketing manager Sarah Blackwell said the company anticipated “significant tangible benefits” to come from the association with the Games. If the company’s revenue increases as expected, it hopes to be able to invest more and see the company grow further. It currently employs 37 people at its Yorkshire base.

“If are thrilled to be awarded the licence for bookmarks and hope to provide high quality, memorable and affordable London 2012 souvenirs,” she said.

A number of programmes and organisations exist to try and spread opportunities beyond London including the London 2012 Business Network which offers businesses help on how to pitch for contracts and CompeteFor, the online service which provides advance warning of contract opportunities.