The London Resort has launched a Register of Interest for businesses interested in becoming a supplier for one of Europe’s most ambitious theme park projects.
Businesses are set to benefit from the £50bn of gross economic activity (GVA) which will be generated in the UK over the initial 25-year period. Local counties and local businesses are expected to benefit greatly.
A report on the economic distribution of Disneyland Paris found that the attraction added €68bn to the French economy in the 25 years since opening, with the region in which the park is located, Seine-et-Marne, benefitting €22.4bn. The attraction also made €13.7bn in purchases, of which 70% were made locally and 82% were made within France, adding knock-on benefits to local suppliers.
The similarities to Paris are particularly encouraging for local businesses given the visitor predictions for The London Resort. Independent analysis estimates that there would be 6.5m visitors to The London Resort in 2025, growing to 12.5m visitors by 2038. Assuming theme parks continue to grow at their 10-year growth rate, The London Resort would therefore rank as the largest theme park in Europe, ahead of Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris.
Tim Aker, Development Manager for the Kent and Medway Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “The London Resort is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses in the Southeast. This is a chance for SMEs to be part of the supply chain and take advantage of the economic benefits this project will bring to the region. At a time when the country needs investment, this will have positive effects on the local and wider economy. We encourage SMEs to register and see what part they can play in this exciting development.”
“Businesses of all shapes and sizes have a critical role to play in this unique project,” commented Andy Martin, Strategy and Communications Director for the London Resort. “The Register of Interest will help us understand more about the type and size of businesses that are interested in becoming a supplier.”
There are many types of business that can get involved, with opportunities for a wide range of local, regional, and national businesses. The information provided will help to inform The Resort’s approach to supply chain engagement including how best to ensure SMEs and local businesses have opportunities to be part of this gamechanger for the UK’s entertainment and leisure industry.
48,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs will also be created by the London Resort by 2038. 50% of those jobs will come from the local communities of Dartford, Gravesham, and Thurrock.
“To date about 13,500 people and businesses have signed-up for project updates,” added Martin. “If a business has provided details before though, we are asking them to complete the new register of interest form to ensure we have the most up-to-date details about their business and operations.”
Businesses interested in being part of the London Resort’s supply chain should register their interest here: https://www.londonresort.info/suppliers.