Universal has begun opening up the supply chain for its £5 billion-plus Bedford resort as the entertainment giant moves from planning one of Britain’s largest tourism investments to delivering it.
The company’s senior sourcing, procurement and project team has met regional businesses in Bedford to explain what it will be looking for as construction gathers pace and how companies can put themselves in contention for future work.
The meeting came as Universal confirmed that 23 companies have now been appointed to support construction of Universal United Kingdom Resort, where initial enabling works are already under way.
Demand from businesses wanting to understand what comes next is considerable. Around 300 were on the waiting list for the BedX event at King’s House, organised by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.
Opening the event, chamber chief executive Justin Richardson said the opportunities created by Universal would extend beyond businesses contracting directly with the company, with work also expected to flow through suppliers, subcontractors and partnerships as the project develops.
That point was reinforced by Universal’s procurement team.
Businesses were told not to discount themselves because they had never previously worked on a theme park or resort. Universal pointed to transferable experience from other industries and said it works with companies of different sizes across its projects.
John McReynolds, Senior Vice President, External Affairs at Universal Destinations & Experiences, told businesses: “We don’t care how big or small you are. We really don’t.”
The company said businesses with the right capabilities may also be able to work with other suppliers and contractors involved in delivering the resort, rather than competing solely for contracts directly with Universal.
Its immediate areas of interest include construction and civil engineering, infrastructure and utilities, transport, food and beverage, landscaping, facilities management and professional services.
Universal has opened a dedicated supplier registration process and said the information provided by businesses will be used to communicate relevant future requests for proposals.
Companies interested in the project were encouraged to make sure they are ready for that process. Universal highlighted company and financial information, relevant experience and case studies, health and safety policies, quality certifications, environmental credentials, ESG commitments and supply-chain information among the areas potential suppliers should have prepared.
The opportunities are also expected to change considerably as the project develops.
Construction and infrastructure dominate the immediate requirements. As Universal moves towards opening the resort in 2031, its requirements will increasingly encompass the businesses and services needed to operate a major international visitor destination.
That distinction could be important for companies across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and the surrounding region which see little obvious connection between their business and the construction of a theme park.
Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to include a theme park with several themed lands, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed more than £5 billion during the expected five-year construction period and a further £1 billion in capital investment during the first decade of operation. The project is forecast to create around 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 direct jobs when operational, with Universal estimating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK by 2055.
The resort is expected to attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year, according to figures previously published by the Government.
Universal also made clear in Bedford that its interest in the visitor experience does not begin and end at the resort gates.
Its team described looking at the complete journey made by visitors, including their arrival in the UK and their journeys by road and rail before they reach the resort.
That gives the development a significance beyond the immediate site. The project includes plans for an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other road and transport improvements.
For businesses, however, the more immediate development is the emergence of the supply chain itself.
Universal says its dedicated supplier form will be used to communicate future requests for proposals and that further events will be held as it continues to engage with businesses over the coming years.
The resort may not open until 2031. The competition to help build, supply and eventually operate it has already begun.
Image: Universal’s sourcing, procurement and project team met regional businesses at the BedX event organised by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.
