£25m Olympic jobs bonanza for county

Hundreds of jobs have either been created or safeguarded by local companies that have won Olympic contracts valued at up to £25 million, it was revealed this afternoon.

Businesses in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have been quick off the mark to cash in on London's Olympic bonanza.

They have beaten competitors from around the world to secure lucrative orders that have led to the creation of dozens of jobs and helped to protect hundreds more.

Today, business expert Phil Challinor said the orders were exceptionally good news for the local economy.

And he said that companies were well placed to capitalise on other major sporting events around the world, including future World Cups and Olympic Games in Qatar, Brazil and other nations.

Mr Challinor said: "We are really pleased that local companies have managed to secure these orders.

"They are absolutely huge. A number of contracts run into the millions and about 30 companies will supply the Olympic effort. A lot of new jobs have been created and the work has helped to safeguard a significant number of others."

Among the winners are A V Birch Ltd, Bridgnorth; CPM Group, Much Wenlock; Countrywide Waste Management, Shrewsbury; Field Studies Council Ltd, Shrewsbury; West Midlands County Sports Partnerships network; Black Country Metal Works, Oswestry; Elements Europe Ltd, Oswestry; Hawk Plant Hire, Oswestry and Tension Control Bolts Ltd, Oswestry.

Telford & Wrekin winners include Access Design & Engineering Ltd, Aroma Training Academy, Asta Development plc, Craemer Ltd, Freyssinet Ltd, Golding Products, Go Plant Ltd, Merrythought, Pelloby Ltd, Plum Publishing Ltd, Simmons Signs, Skippy Nationwide and S P Services (UK) Ltd, Access Technologies Ltd, Golden Bear Toys Ltd, Lyreco UK and SDS Contracts Ltd.