VOTE: Should Sainsbury's give priority to local firms bidding for construction work on its new store?

An event to showcase the opportunities for them in the multi-million pound development is being held by the retailer along with the building contractor and the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board.

It will run from 5.30pm until 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 1, at Butlin’s.

Companies will learn what contracts are available at the A29 Shripney Road site and how to register their interest.

Sainsbury’s project manager, Gary Mudge, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer the chance for local firms to seek work on the construction of our new store.

“As proud signatories of the developer and partner charter, we are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to the charter by providing this opportunity.”

Groundwork on the store’s site was started by Longcross on Monday.

It is expected to be late next month before the steel framework for the 55,000sq ft store and petrol filling station begins to be built.

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

Anyone who wants to attend the showcase must book a place in advance by emailing [email protected] with company details and an email address.

Longcross Construction site manager Bill Laney, who also worked on the Butlin’s Skyline pavilion, said: “This is a great opportunity for local firms to apply for work on the construction of the new store. We look forward to meeting local contractors at the event on May 1.”

The regeneration board’s regeneration advisor Richard McMann said: “Companies will be surprised by the range and scale of opportunities available in a wide variety of services.”

Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort director Jeremy Pardey said it was ‘delighted’ to welcome Sainsbury’s and Longcross to Bognor and to Butlin’s.

Call 0845 602 1151 for more details.