12/09/2013

Local Firms Seek Business Opportunities With CERN

Invest Northern Ireland and the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) recently hosted an event to encourage local firms to seek out business opportunities with CERN in Geneva.

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. The facility houses the revolutionary Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and has an annual procurement budget of approximately £200m (450–500 MCHF). This offers substantial business opportunities for Northern Ireland firms across a range of sectors including supplies and industrial services.

Kevin McCann, Invest NI's Director of Advanced Engineering and Construction, explained: "Last year UK companies secured in the region of £22 million worth of contracts from CERN so we are keen to make sure that Northern Ireland businesses take full advantage of the supply opportunities on offer."

Representatives from 28 local companies attended the business breakfast to learn more about the types of contracts that are available.

Mr McCann said: "The main purchasing areas are in advanced technology, electrical engineering, electronics, computer systems, vacuum and low temperature technology and particle detectors. Contracts are also available in other fields such as mechanical structures and civil engineering, and all the support services that are involved in running the 600 hectare site.

"I would encourage Northern Ireland businesses to register in CERN's supplier database and seek out these opportunities."

(CD/JP)

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