Catering sector opportunities as Ryder Cup procurement process begins

The 2014 Ryder Cup in Scotland has launched its official procurement portal with contracts in a number of different categories.

Hosted on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website, the process will include contract opportunities including security; merchandising; catering and food supplies; waste management; telecommunications; portable offices; and other infrastructure-related areas.

Edward Kitson, match director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said: "The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious events and we are looking for suppliers whose products and services will enable us to create a truly memorable occasion at Gleneagles in 2014.

"The direct contracts we will offer and the associated benefits through the supply chain will provide a boost to businesses across the country."

The PCS portal has 60,000 businesses already registered and Ryder Cup Europe is encouraging companies to use the portal to ensure they hear about new contract opportunities. Contracts will appear online gradually and will reflect the categories already available to existing registered businesses on PCS, ensuring as many potential suppliers as possible are aware of the different Ryder Cup opportunities.

The Ryder Cup procurement portal is a joint initiative between Ryder Cup Europe, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. It is the first time that a series of private contracts will be available through what has been a public sector portal, and could pave the way for more private sector engagement with PCS.

Ryder Cup Europe expects to attract more than 250,000 spectators to Gleneagles in September 2014, and organisers expect the first contract to be awarded within the next three months.