Bognor firms express views on new Sainsbury's store

The event, which showcased the opportunities for businesses as part of the multi-million pound development, was held by the retailer along with their building contractor Longcross Construction and the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board on Tuesday (May 1).

More than 100 local companies learnt what contracts were available at the A29 Shripney Road site and how to register their interest.

Sean Maginnis, director of the Lock Centre, based in the High Street, said the event was an opportunity for local businesses to impress the people who make the decisions.

“Tonight has been really good. It is a great idea. It lets local businesses like myself talk to the people who make the decisions about who they are going to hire.

“As we specialise in security I have had the chance to talk to people from Longcross and Sainsburys about the sort of things we can provide, things like security doors and CCTV.”

It is anticipated 17 trades and materials could be sourced from around Bognor including scaffolding, bricklaying, concrete, topsoil, general labourers and concrete finishers.

The largest contract, worth £3m, has been filled by Longcross Construction, but many others of different sizes are still on offer, with the biggest still available being a £300,000 opportunity to surface the site.

A £80,000 package to re-build the Green Topper car salesroom is also on offer, with contracts for this project ranging from £1,000 to £30,000.

Roger Elsmere, the managing director of Woods Travel said he was impressed with the event.

“I have been really impressed with the event. It was an excellent idea.

“As my business is transport I have been able to speak to the people I need to about the possibility of meeting any transport needs the new store may have,” said Mr Elsmere.

Speaking at the event held in Butlin’s Shoreline conference centre, Sainsburys project manager Darren Carpenter said: “It has been excellent to see so many local businesses and trades here. We as a company try to get the best contractors and with Longcross and hopefully with those of you we have met here tonight we will have done that.

“We hope from start to finish the build will take 23 weeks, and we are committed to achieving that and as long as local firms meet our quality standards and costs there is no reason why they should not be involved. This is a great opportunity.”

Some 400 jobs will also be created when the new store opens.